Page 33 - iPlus_Ver_2.0_class_7
P. 33

E-mail Virus

                 An e-mail virus is a type of computer virus that is transmitted from one computer to another
                 through e-mail messages. Some e-mail viruses can also be transmitted as infected attachments
                 along with the e-mail message. It gets active in the memory when a user opens an infected e-mail
                 or attachment. It sounds very simple, but an e-mail virus can erase files, destroy information, and

                 cause computer crashes.

                  i +  HOW DOES A COMPUTER GET INFECTED WITH A VIRUS?


                 Computer viruses-spread in several ways. Some of them are:
                 •  Using virus-infected CDs/Pen Drives.

                 •  Opening an infected e-mail attachment.
                 •  Downloading an infected program from the Internet, Pen

                   Drives, CDs or DVDs.
                                                                                                Sources of virus
                 •  Running an infected program (which can be a game, screen
                   saver, etc.).

                 •  Through local computer networks.


                    Info Byte

                     The first widespread computer virus was BRAIN, created in 1986.




                  i +  HOW DO YOU KNOW YOUR PC HAS A VIRUS?

                 When  virus infects human  beings,  it damages the  body  which  is evident  through  certain
                 symptoms. In the similar manner, there are certain symptoms that hint that a computer has been
                 infected by malware & virus, like:

                 •  Slowdown: Fall in speed of processing of computer.
                 •  Pop-ups: Appearance of unexpected pop-ups on the system.

                 •  Crash: Frequent crashing of system or BSOD (Blue Screen of Death).

                 •  Running out of Storage Space: Occupying huge space of storage.
                 •  Loss of File: Abrupt deletion of files of a computer system.

                 •  Unusual Activity of Messages or Programs: Automatic opening or closing of a program,
                   abrupt restarting of a computer and opening of strange or unknown windows during the
                   process of booting.

                 •  Unusual Network Activity: Unusual network activity such as excessive transfer of data even
                   when all the applications are closed.






                                                                                                                  31
                                                                                                Computer Virus
   28   29   30   31   32   33   34   35   36   37   38