Computer Viruses: Infection Vectors, and Feasibility of Complete Protection :: essays research papers fc

electronic computer Viruses Infection Vectors, and Feasibility of Complete ProtectionA computer computer virus is a program which, after being loaded into acomputers memory, copies itself with the objective of spreading to othercomputers.Most people, from the corporate level power programmer down to thecomputer hobbyist, have had either personal experience with a virus or knowsomeone who has. And the rate of infection is rebellion monthly. This has caused awide spread interest in viruses and what can be done to nurture the data nowentrusted to the computer bodys throughout the world.A virus can gain access to a computer system via any one of fourvectors1. Disk usage in this case, give files contained on a diskette(including, on occasion, diskettes supplied by softw bemanufacturers) are loaded, and used in a previously uninfectedsystem frankincense allowing the virus to spread.2. Local Area Network a LAN allows ten-fold computers to share thesame data, and programs. However, this data sharing can allowa virus to spread rapidly to computers that have otherwise beenprotected from international contamination.3. Telecommunications also known as a Wide Area Network, thisentails the connective of computer systems to each other viamodems, and telephone lines. This is the vector most fearedby computer users, with infected files being rapidly passedalong the emerging nurture super-highway, then downloadedfrom public services and then used, thus infecting the new system.4. spontaneous Generation this last vector is at the same timethe least thought of and the least likely. However, becausevirus programs tend to be small, the possibility exists thatthe decree necessary for a self-replicating program could berandomly generated and executed in the normal operation ofany computer system.Even disregarding the one-quarter infection vector, it can be seen that theonly way to completely protect a computer system is to isolate it from allcontact with the extraneous world. This would include the user programming all ofthe necessary code to ladder the system, as even commercial products have beenknown to be shipped already infected with viruses.In conclusion, because a virus can enter a computer in so many differentways, perhaps the outdo thing to do is more a form of damage ascertain rather thanprevention. Such as, maintain current backups of your data, keep your original software disks write-protected and away from the computer, and use a good Virusdetection program. specify Thesis Complete protection of a computer system from viruses is nonpossible, so efforts should be concentrated on recovery rather than prevention.I. Introduction, with definition.A. place Computer Virus.B. Define interest group.C. Define problem.