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Viruses
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| A computer virus is a program that attaches itself to your computer system and will replace another program in order to reproduce itself without user knowledge or permission. Most viruses are executed by the computer user through e-mail attachments or files that have been downloaded from another source.
Viruses can go unnoticed for a long period of time, causing no harm to your computer system. However, some viruses may cause severe damage to data files or your computer's hard disk drive resulting in reformating your computer's hard drive in order to remove the virus. Viruses can affect your computer's memory, damaging files that are opened when using your computer.
Even if the virus is considered to be a "non-damaging" virus, it occupies the computer's hard drive, memory and CPU processing time which are essential resources needed when operating your computer system.
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Worm
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| A worm is a computer program that duplicates copies of itself which it spreads on its own. Unlike a virus, worms do not infect other computer programs or files. To spread these program copies it has created, the worm virus will attempt to infect other computers within a network, e-mail or through Internet Relay Chat.
The worm virus can also infect several different registry keys, and replace important boot up files. So when you restart your computer it will change the normal boot up file you would use to start up your computer to the worm virus file, so once you are up on your desktop the worm virus is ready to act and spread itself. When trying to eliminate the worm virus, if you do not remove all infected pieces of this worm your infection may continue to become worse.
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Reference Chart for Behavior
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| Features |
Viruses |
Worms |
| Reproduction |
Viruses reproduce by modifying or replacing other software. The "infected" (or "host") software then acts as a "vector", infecting other software. |
Worms reproduce on their own by making copies of themselves. |
| Transportation |
"Infected" software is transported to another computer, usually by disk or downloading, where the infection process starts again. |
"Network worms" find their own way to other computers over a network. Other worms spread via "infected" disks. |
| Dependencies |
Viruses function by "infecting" other software. They are essentially code fragments. |
Worms are self-contained programs, or systems of programs. |
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Prevention
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| It is recommended that you obtain an anti-virus program that is suitable for your needs. Remember that there are no anti-virus programs available that can detect every virus. You may want to consider using at least two anti-virus programs, in case the first program is unable to detect the virus your computer has.
It is also recommended to run your anti-virus software continually, making sure you will have the fullest protection on your computer system. Always scan documents and attachments and do not forget to check for updates for your anti-virus software. As the Internet changes so do the virus strains that are out there.
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