OK, so what is a virus? What do they do? Are there different kinds of viruses?
First off, a virus is some code that does something malicious in a computer. That’s it in a nutshell. As for types of viruses, there are several:
- Boot Sector — These viruses go into effect when your computer boots up. These can modify certain system files, or go as far as wipe out you entire computer.
- Executable — These viruses attach themselves to your programs and do their stuff when that program is run.
- Macro — Macro viruses are not complete programs, but can attach themselves to documents such as Microsoft Word documents, or Excel. These cause damage when the file is opened or executed (ran)
- Trojan — A trojan virus masquerades as a true program that should be used. It may even do what you think it is doing, but underneath, it does damage to your system. It gets its name from the famous Trojan Horse, as it acts in the same way.
- Worm — A worm doesn’t attach itself to files or programs, but instead it simply replicates itself throughout your computer, and even the network that your computer is on.
That’s a basic run down of all of the virus types out there, with more to come most likely.
On a completely non-tech related note, I passed my road test today, so I now have a full license (albeit temporary until it can be mailed). I’m happy about that.
, so any ideas would be grand. I’ve done some very BASIC forum software, and the Online Quizzing and testing tools for schools (EduNation), but I want to do something that people can actually use. This is what software development is all about. Usefulness. Oh, before I go. Today during the testing, or actually before it, there was a hiccup with the sophomore testing. They were taking the ASVAB which is a military test. I don’t know who, but it was either the school or the military, but they lost the bubble-sheets for the entire grade. The school had to send someone to Ann-Arbor to meet someone from Detriot to get new sheets, so they got started about an hour and a half late. I laughed because they were supposed to be done about two hours before the Juniors, but we got done at the same time. Just my day’s highlight.