ComputerVirusesNowandThen-al.pdfVIP

Al-Nasser University journal ISSN 2311-2360 Computer Viruses: Now and Then Dr. Mohammed Al Muhtadi AUTHORIZED BY AL-NASSER UNIVERSITYS RESEARCH OFFICE رصانلا ةعماجب رشنلاو ثوحبلا بتكمل ةظوفحم رشنلا قوقح عيمج w w w . a l - e d u . c o m Al-Nasser University journal ISSN 2311-2360 Abstract Our health-conscientious society has come to view any type of virus as an attack, and computer viruses are among the most hated. No computer or network is impervious to an infection, and even a benign virus can waste an IT administrators time while the most dangerous infections can cost consumers and businesses thousands of dollars in hardware, software and man hours. With so many enterprises relying solely on computers for data storage, the cost of serious infections is undeniable. Theres a fine line between proper concern about the potential threat that viruses represent and paranoia, however. People know that a healthy immune system paired with exercise, good diet and routine checkups can prevent infections and prolong life. The same is true for computer viruses, and a few preventative measures can save money in the long term.  Viruses throughout history  Who creates viruses? How do they infect?  Signs of a malware infection  Statistics about virus proliferation and the cost of viruses  The anatomy of viruses and inner workings of anti-virus software A Virus By Any Other Name Just like a virus that infects your body, malicious computers infections are coded to latch on and propagate, often without leaving any signs of infection at all. Viruses spread by attaching themselves to other programs, including presentations or word documents, or by infecting the boot sector of a hard drive. Viruses often run when