CHAPTER FOURTEEN

COMPUTER VIRUS

14.4.1. INFECTED DISKETTES, CD-ROMS

At times if you used floppy disc to store downloaded files from the internet, such files may carry some viruses. If you then load the floppy into the computer, the computer may be infected.

14.4.2. E-MAILS

Some people send viruses through e-mails. Ounce you opened the file or document that contained the virus, they will be released into your computer. These viruses will continue destroying your system.

14.4.3. INTERNET DOWNLOADS

Viruses are manufactured by some computer companies and released into the internet. And if you connect an unprotected system to the internet, the virus may be transmitted into your computer.

14.4.4. ILLEGAL DUPLICATION OF SOFTWARES ETC

Most soft wares placed on the internet are for sell. That means you have to pay before you can use or obtain them. However, there are people called hackers who download such softwares illegally. Such downloaded softwares may carry viruses which will destroy your computer system ounce they are installed on them.

14.5. VIRUS DETECTION TOOLS(SOFTWARES0 –ANTIVIRUS

Ant-virus software's are programs which detect the presence of viruses in computers. They can be likened to the antibodies of the human body, which protect man from diseases. Some of the common anti-virus software's are:-

  1. Norton Anti-virus
  2. McFee Virus scan
  3. Dr. Solomon
  4. Penicillin
  5. AVG

14.5.1. PROTECTING YOUR COMPUTER FROM VIRUS INFECTION.

Listed below are some of the steps recommended by experts to safeguard your PC from viruses. These are a compilation of my past experiences and magazine sources.

  1. Install antivirus software on your computer- AVG, Norton etc
  2. Install software that you trust. 
  3. Avoid installing pirated software, especially computer games. 
  4. Update your antivirus software regularly.
  5. Scan your hard disk frequently, twice a month. 
  6. Scan files downloaded from the Internet, on flash disc or those transferred before saving on your computer.

EXERCISE

1. Define computer virus
2. Lists and describe the different types of computer viruses
3. List ten examples of computer viruses
4. Discuss the various ways by which computers can be infected with viruses
5. Describe the signs of computer viral infection
6. List five different types of anti-virus software available

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