https://wikimd.com/index.php?action=history&feed=atom&title=Computer_virusComputer virus - Revision history2026-04-20T00:45:10ZRevision history for this page on the wikiMediaWiki 1.44.2https://wikimd.com/index.php?title=Computer_virus&diff=5631416&oldid=prevPrab: CSV import2024-04-19T14:48:31Z<p>CSV import</p>
<p><b>New page</b></p><div>[[File:Brain-virus.jpg|Brain-virus|thumb]] [[File:1988-03_Universal_Peace_virus_on_my_Mac.jpg|1988-03 Universal Peace virus on my Mac|thumb|left]] [[File:ClamWin_Wine_screenshot.png|ClamWin Wine screenshot|thumb|left]] '''Computer virus'''<br />
<br />
A '''computer virus''' is a type of [[malware]] designed to replicate itself and spread from one [[computer]] to another. It can infect [[computer systems]] by modifying other computer programs and inserting its own code. When this replication succeeds, the affected areas are then said to be "infected" with a computer virus.<br />
<br />
==Overview==<br />
Computer viruses can spread through various means, including [[email attachments]], [[Internet]] downloads, and [[removable media]] such as USB drives. They can perform a wide range of malicious activities, including stealing [[personal data]], logging [[keystrokes]], and rendering the computer or certain files unusable.<br />
<br />
==History==<br />
The concept of a computer virus dates back to the early 1970s, but the first known instance of a virus in the wild was [[Elk Cloner]], created in 1982 for the [[Apple II]] operating system. This virus spread via floppy disk and displayed a poem on infected computers. The term "virus" was first used in this context by [[Fred Cohen]] in 1983 during his academic studies.<br />
<br />
==Types of Computer Viruses==<br />
There are several types of computer viruses, each with unique characteristics and modes of operation. Some of the most common include:<br />
<br />
* '''Boot Sector Virus''': Infects the master boot record and spreads when the system is booted from the disk containing the virus.<br />
* '''Macro Virus''': Targets [[macros]] within documents and spreads when the documents are shared.<br />
* '''Polymorphic Virus''': Changes its code or signature patterns to evade detection by [[antivirus software]].<br />
* '''Metamorphic Virus''': Completely rewrites its own code and thus, can evade detection by creating entirely new versions of itself.<br />
* '''Resident Virus''': Embeds itself in the memory of a computer and can execute without the need to infect a specific file.<br />
<br />
==Prevention and Removal==<br />
Preventing computer virus infections involves a combination of practices, including installing and updating [[antivirus software]], avoiding suspicious [[email]]s and websites, and regularly updating the computer's operating system and software. Removal of a virus typically requires the use of specialized antivirus tools and may sometimes necessitate a complete system reinstall to fully eradicate the infection.<br />
<br />
==Impact==<br />
The impact of computer viruses can range from minor annoyances to significant financial loss and data breaches. High-profile virus outbreaks, such as [[WannaCry]] and [[NotPetya]], have demonstrated the potential for widespread damage and the importance of cybersecurity measures.<br />
<br />
==See also==<br />
* [[Malware]]<br />
* [[Computer worm]]<br />
* [[Trojan horse (computing)]]<br />
* [[Spyware]]<br />
* [[Ransomware]]<br />
<br />
[[Category:Computer security]]<br />
[[Category:Malware]]<br />
{{computing-stub}}</div>Prab