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Virus
A computer virus is a program that is able to copy itself when it is run. It gets activated each
time the program or file to which it is attached is opened or executed. It is the most common
type of malware. It can spread itself by infecting other programs or files. This affects the original
program, causing it to no longer work properly.
Worm
A worm is similar to virus but it can copy itself and spread rapidly to any device attached. A worm
does not need any program to activate it.
Trojan Horse
A trojan horse is a dangerous virus. It represents itself as helpful software programs. Once the
user clicks on it to agree to run it, it gains access to sensitive data and then modifies, blocks, or
deletes the data. It cannot copy itself from one computer to another.
Spyware
A spyware steals important information and data on the device, such as account passwords or
bank details. It observes the user's activity without their knowledge.
Adware
An adware tracks user's browser and download history and keeps popping advertisements on
the screen.
Clickipedia
In 1986, the first virus was written for Windows based PCs by two brothers, Basit and Amjad
Farooq Alvi, from Pakistan, who were only 17 and 24 years old at the time. They named it
“Brain”.
HARMS CAUSED BY COMPUTER MALWARE
Different malwares will affect your computer in different ways.
They can crash your hard disk.
They can destroy all or some of your data.
They decrease the processing speed of the computer.
They can reduce or block the memory of the computer or hard disk.
They stop you from restarting your computer or keep on restarting your computer.
They send e-mails from your account without your knowledge.
Safeguarding your Computer 47

