Glencoe Keyboarding with Computer Applications

Language Link: Avoiding Viruses

Introduction
Learn more about computer viruses and how to avoid them.

Directions
Read the information below and apply what you learn to answer the questions in the Language Link on page 222 of your Glencoe Keyboarding with Computer Applications Student Edition. The questions, along with two more, are listed below. Key your answers as directed by your teacher.

Viruses, Worms, and Spyware
Viruses and Worms are computer programs that are intentionally designed to damage or destroy computer systems, software, and individual files. Many thousands of these harmful programs have been released on various networks and the Internet. More are being written and released every day. Spyware and adware, although not destructive, are a nuisance.

• Viruses are computer programs that copy themselves into other programs stored in a computer. Viruses can be very destructive. For example, they can erase important files or corrupt computer memory. Some viruses are simply annoying, such as a flashing picture on your screen. Viruses are usually spread as an e-mail attachment, although sometimes they are spread by sharing an infected floppy disk.
• 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.
• A Trojan horse is a program that appears to be desirable (for example, it could be disguised as a game) but once it is opened, it does something destructive. A Trojan horse could be a virus or a worm.
• Spyware and adware are computer programs that record the Web sites you visit and the software you use, and they can force unwanted advertising onto your computer screen. Some Spyware then uses your Internet connection to send a "spy" report to a business on how you use your computer. Spyware and adware are not specifically designed to harm your computer, but can often end up causing your computer system to slow down or even crash.

Prevention Dangerous programs can enter a computer many different ways. They can be hidden in infected files on disks, e-mails, e-mail attachments, or Internet downloads. However there are several ways to prevent viruses, worms, and other unwanted intruding programs.

• Install anti-virus software and firewalls, which are powerful tools to combat viruses. Combined with an Internet connection, anti-virus software can be continually updated to help identify new viruses and prevent them from infecting your computer. Norton® , MacAfee® , Net Zone® , and Panda® are just a few of the very popular brands of anti-virus software.
• Be very careful when you download files from the Internet. Make sure you know what the file is and that it comes from a reputable source.
• Never open e-mail attachments from somebody you do not know. And be very careful opening attachments from people you do know—virus programs often “hijack” names known to you, yet the people will not be aware that their computers are sending viruses. Always scan incoming e-mail and attachments before they are opened.
• Be on the look out for text-based files (such as HTML or ASCII) that can contain viruses, even though a text file alone cannot be infected.

Activity Questions

1			What is a computer virus?
2			What kind of damage can a virus do?
3			What are two ways to help protect a computer from viruses?
4			What is Spyware?
5			What kinds of problems are caused by Spyware and adware?