A self-copying computer pest - what is it and how to deal with it?

A self-copying computer pest - what is it and what is the mechanism of its action? How are they even created and who creates them? What kinds exist and what makes a particular appearance? Now you will find out what a self-copying computer pest is. The answer is divided into 6 parts. Not only the classification is considered, but also the methods of disposal and safety techniques, so as not to ever learn about them in practice.

A self-copying computer pest is what?

Initially, it is necessary to determine the terminology. A self-copying computer pest is the full name of a computer virus. These are programs that increase their number independently, reducing the amount of memory available to the user and simultaneously performing sabotaging activities. Sabotage can be both relatively harmless (to take the part of RAM for copying under itself), and to have significant consequences (up to the failure of the computer).

One of their features is that they can not only spontaneously copy themselves, but also introduce their code into other programs. However, in view of the fact that for a full-fledged functioning of the viruses a fairly large segment of the code is needed, the target programs should also be rather large. They got their name "viruses" because of their similarity with biological viruses. In addition, models over the past few years have been able to carry out self-adaptation, which further increases the similarity. A self-copying computer pest is the answer to many of the problems that arise with the computer and will occur until the virus is removed.

History of viruses

The first Brain virus, lucky enough to conduct a massive attack, was developed in 1986. And already for 1987-1988 there were peaks of his popularity. The viruses were before him, including in the Soviet Union, but their actions did not acquire such a scale. Since then, the number of viruses has increased steadily, and today they number more than 7 million.

What kinds of viruses exist?

Various people have developed many viruses that are classified based on their actions. There are 3 types:

1. Worm. A fairly harmless program that just copies and uses RAM. But with a significant infection can create significant inconvenience when using a computer. This especially applies to those who do not have enough RAM to make the worm develop for a long time.
2. The virus is a zombie. These viruses are used for remote computer access. The aspect of use includes a wide range of activities, from participation in a spam-attack to the site prior to infection with a mailing list that will send letters on the Internet. And everything is done so masterly that the user does not even notice that his computer is in the clutches of intruders.
3. A program that blocks access. It is a banner that blocks the window and requires you to send money somewhere. As you can guess - after sending money does not disappear. You can remove this program in the safe mode of your computer.
4. Programs that are harmful to the computer. Software that destroys system files, disabling efficient machines and turning them into piles of iron and plastic.

Is there a difference between a virus and a malicious program?

Very often between the words "virus" and "malicious program" put a sign of equality. Is it really so? No. The point is that trojans and spyware get into the concept of malware, except for viruses . And the very concept of "malware" is more widespread - so, they are all software that is used to gain unauthorized access to a computer with criminal intent. In addition, a self-copying computer pest is software that can be embedded in other programs, whereas Trojans and spies do not have this capability.

How to remove a virus?

The simplest and most popular way is to resort to the help of an antivirus (and to ensure the destruction of a spy is also an antispyware). But there are separate programs that register themselves in the registers of the operating system, and only professionals can cope with them. If you decide that you should carry a computer for repair, then it's premature: on large computer forums there are help departments for problems with the computer, contact there for help and you will be consulted how to find the virus and how to remove it.

How not to hook a computer virus?

The best problem is one that does not arise. And for this you must be careful:

1. Download files only from resources, after which you do not notice something "new" on your computer.
2. If the downloaded file has an extension exe, but the archive icon - do not open it (it can be a self-extracting archive, but they are almost not used, and most likely - before you a virus).
3. Estimate the approximate size of the file you need and downloaded. So, if you need a program for a couple of kilobytes or a couple of gigabytes, and you are offered a file of 500 kilobytes - here is a virus or other malicious program.

Now that you know that there is such a program as a self-copying computer pest that it promises with a frivolous attitude, you can be more careful and careful. This reduces your chances of meeting them and learning from your own experience what they are.