Different Types of Computer Viruses

Learn the Different Types of Computer Viruses and if what is a computer virus. This article gives great information about macro viruses, network viruses, logic bombs, companion viruses, boot sector viruses, multipartite viruses.

There are several types of Computer Viruses could be categorized in (origin, methods, kinds of data files they infect, where they disguise, the type of damage they result in, the kind of operating system or program they attack) etc.

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What is a Computer Virus?

Computer Virus is a type of malicious software created purposely to penetrate a computer without the user’s authorization or understanding, by having a capability to duplicate by itself, therefore continuing to spread. Several viruses carry out small yet duplicate others may cause serious damage or negatively affect system and its performance. A virus should not be thought safe and left on the computer system.

Different Types of Computer Viruses

Macro Viruses

A macro virus, usually scripted directly into typical program applications for example Word or Excel, is distributed by infecting files. Macro viruses are recognized to be platform-independent because the virus alone is developed in language of the program rather than the operating system. Once the program is operating, this enables the macro virus to spread within the operating systems. There are many macro viruses that are out there, each is considered major threats. Samples of these viruses are: Melissa. A and Bablas. Pc.

Network Viruses

Network viruses quickly propagate by way of a Local Network Area (LAN), and often through the World Wide Web. Typically, network viruses grow via shared resources, i.e., shared drives and directories. Once the virus infects a computer, it searches through the network to attack its new possible victim. Once the virus finishes infecting that computer, it moves to the next and the routine repeats itself. One of the most harmful network viruses are Nimda and SQLSlammer.

Logic Bombs

The logic bomb computer virus is a bit of Program code which is put into a computer software program. Whenever a particular and specific condition is fulfilled, for example simply clicking a web browser or starting a certain document, the logic bomb virus is placed off. Several computer programmers set the harmful virus off during days such as April fool’s Day or Friday the 13th. Once the virus is triggered, then numerous activities will take place. For instance, files are completely erased.

Companion Viruses

Companion viruses take benefit of MS-DOS. This virus creates a new file with usually the .COM extensions, but occasionally the .EXD extension also. Each time a user manually types in a program they really want without having to add .EXE or other particular extension, DOS can make the assumption that the user need the file using the extension that comes first from a to z, and therefore running the virus. The companion virus is uncommon among Windows XP personal computers because this certain operating system doesn't make use of the MS-DOS.

Boot Sector Viruses

Boot sector viruses usually disguise inside the boot sector, in both the bootable disk and the hard disk drive. Unlike many viruses, this virus doesn't damage the data files within the hard disk drive, but damage the hard disk itself. Boot sector viruses are unusual at nowadays since these viruses are distributed quickly by floppy disks rather than on CD-ROMs.

Multipartite Viruses

Multipartite viruses are spreader by means of infected media and often hide inside the memory. Progressively, the virus moves to the boot sector of the hard disk drive and infects exe files on the hard drive and then throughout the computer system.