Introduction
Computer viruses are not a new phenomenon, nor will they go away. So far there are over 70,000 known viruses, with at least 400 new viruses discovered each month viruses are here to stay, and all computer users need to be educated about them. A virus is a program designed to alter the way a computer operates without the knowledge and permission of the user. In order for a virus to be called a virus it must execute itself, this is quite often accomplished by hiding itself in another program, and it must replicate itself.
Viruses are probably the one-thing most new computer users feared most. It is important to realize however that not all computer viruses are harmful many are just annoying. While many viruses are not particularly threatening, there are many that are harmful. Some viruses designed to delete or alter key system files, or even formatting the hard disk. While a lot of viruses are essentially harmless, probably designed just to replicate itself and send itself out as many times as possible, even these viruses can be dangerous. Self replicating mass mailer worms cause damage to Internet Service Providers (ISP's) by causing a overload of email messages to be sent out, causing real problems for you and your ISP. These worms can also cause your computer to use up all available memory, which can result in erratic behavior. Lately more and more viruses are hitting the media, as the cost for handling infected systems increases the importance of safeguarding both your home computer and business systems becomes more and more important. Many people ignore the virus threat, believing that viruses only hit big business, or only people who download illegal software, this is not the case. The only computer that is 100% safe from a computer is one that is NEVER used, the second you load software on your computer there is a risk of becoming infected, and the more you use your computer the greater the risk. There are ways to minimize your risk, and that is what we are here for. People don't realize that virus protection is in the hands of the computer users, not the computer sellers. This has to change, and by taking this course you are taking a first step towards this goal. The more computers protected from viruses the less interest there will be to create viruses by those who feel the need to create them, and therefore there will be a decrease in viruses. As long as users take a relaxed view of virus security viruses will be created and released into the wild.Lessons
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