EDU 03-TECHNOLOGY AND COMMUNICATION IN EDUCATION

                                                                UNIT -4

                  STUDENTS SAFETY ON THE NET 

       DEFINITION OF COMPUTER VIRUSES

A computer virus is a type of malicious software, or malware that spreads

between computers and causes damage to data and software.

     Computer viruses aim to disrupt systems, cause major operational issues, and

result in data loss and leakage. A key thing to know about computer viruses is that they

are designed to spread across programs and systems. Computer viruses typically attach to

an executable host file, which results in their viral codes executing when a file is opened.

The code then spreads from the document or software it is attached to via networks,

drives, file-sharing programs, or infected email attachments.

COMMON SIGNS OF COMPUTER VIRUSES

A computer virus will more than likely have an adverse effect on the device it

resides on and may be discoverable through common signs of performance loss,

including:

 Speed of System

A computer system running slower than usual is one of the most common signs

that the device has a virus. This includes the system itself running slowly, as well as

applications and internet speed suffering. If a computer does not have powerful

applications or programs installed and is running slowly, then it may be a sign it is

infected with a virus.

 Pop-up Windows

Unwanted pop-up windows appearing on a computer or in a web browser are a

telltale sign of a computer virus. Unwanted pop-ups are a sign of malware, viruses,

or spyware affecting a device.

 Programs Self-executing

If computer programs unexpectedly close by themselves, then it is highly likely

that the software has been infected with some form of virus or malware. Another

indicator of a virus is when applications fail to load when selected from the Start menu or

their desktop icon.

 Accounts Being Logged Out

Some viruses are designed to affect specific applications, which will either cause

them to crash or force the user to automatically log out of the service.

 Crashing of the Device

System crashes and the computer itself unexpectedly closing down are common

indicators of a virus. Computer viruses cause computers to act in a variety of strange

ways, which may include opening files by themselves, displaying unusual error

messages, or clicking keys at random.

Unit 4 - Students safety on the net