Computer Infestations

Trojan (Named Anchor)

What is an infestation?

A computer infestation is any unwanted program that is transmitted to a computer without the knowledge of the user or owner, and that is designed to do varying degrees of damage to data and software. There are three main types of infestations: Viruses, Trojan horses and worms. The three types differ in the way they spread, what damage they do, and how they hide.

What is a Virus?

A Virus is a program that can replicate itself by attaching itself to other programs. The infected program must be executed in order for a virus to execute. When a virus executes, it may simply replicate itself, or it may also damage by immediately performing some damaging action. A virus may be programmed so that it is triggered to perform a negative action at some future point in time, such as on a particular date etc....

What is a worm?

A worm is a program that spreads copies of itself throughout a network without needing a host program.

What is a Trojan horse?

A Trojan horse doesn't need a host program to work; rather it substitutes itself for a legitimate program. Trojan horses cannot replicate themselves.

How do infestations spread?

Infestations can be spread by: Trading floppy disks containing program files, Connecting the computer to an unprotected network, Buying software from unreliable sources, Downloading programs from the Internet, Using floppy disks from unknown sources, Using shared network programs, Using used, preformatted floppy disks, Reading email that automatically executes a word processor to read attached files.

How do I protect my computer against infestations?

Order your own anti-virus online today. (Script Link)

Next Subject is Spyware.

If you have any comments or questions, please feel free to email: melissa_cliche@hotmail.com (email link)