iCheck Microsoft Office 2003 Introductory

These articles further explore computer safety, ethics, and many other topics covered in the Technology Handbook found in the student edition.

Utility Programs (p. H16)

Introduction Learn more about computer viruses.

Directions Read the information below and apply what you learn to answer the questions. Check your work carefully, and click Check Answers.

Viruses and WORMS

Viruses and WORMS are computer programs that are intentionally designed to hurt or destroy computer systems, software, and individual files. There are thousands, if not millions, of these harmful programs roaming around on various networks and on the Internet.

A virus is a computer program that copies itself into other programs stored in a computer. It may only be annoying, causing your computer to slow down, or it may be very destructive, erasing important files or corrupting computer memory. WORMS are types of viruses that copy themselves over and over again until they fill all of the storage space on a drive or network.

Spyware and adware are two examples of “sneaky viruses.” Spyware spies on what types of Web sites you visit and what software you use. Adware forces unwanted advertising onto your computer screen. Spyware and adware are not specifically designed to harm your computer, but they usually end up causing systems to slow down or even shut down.

Dangerous programs can enter a computer in many different ways. They can be hidden in infected files passed from computer to computer on disks, in e-mail attachments, or in Internet downloads. It is important to understand that a text file alone (.txt) cannot be infected. This is because text itself contains no programming. Other text-based files (e.g. .html or ASCII) can contain viruses, but it is the programming that becomes infected.

Prevention

Anti-virus software is a powerful tool to combat viruses. Especially with an Internet connection, anti-virus software can keep updated on a daily basis to prevent viruses from entering your computer. Norton, MacAfee, Net Zone, and Panda are just a few of the very popular brands of anti-virus software.

Be very careful about what types of files are downloaded. Make sure you know what the file is and the source of the download. Always perform an anti-virus scan.

Never open e-mail attachments from somebody you do not know. Always scan incoming e-mail and attachments before they are opened.

Remember that staying informed of the latest virus threats and keeping anti-virus software up-to-date will help identify, isolate, and clean infected files.

1			What is a type of virus that copies itself until it completely fills up a computer’s storage space?
2			What are two types of harmful programs that are not designed to harm your computer but can still cause serious problems?
3			What are two ways a virus can infect your computer?
4			What type of software is available to help prevent viruses and WORMS?