A computer virus is a program that can copy itself and infect a computer without permission of the user. The term ?virus? is commonly used to refer to many different types of malware programs. A virus can spread from one computer to another when its host is taken to the uninfected computer, for instance by a user sending it over a network or the internet, or by carrying it on a removable medium such as a floppy disk, CD, or USB drive.



Viruses are sometimes confused with computer worms and Trojan horses. A worm can spread itself to other computer without needing to be transferred as part of a host, and a Trojan horse is a file that appears harmless until executed.

Some viruses are programmed to damage the computer by damaging programs, deleting files, or reformatting the hard disk. Others simply replicate themselves and make their presence known by presenting text, video, or audio messages. Furthermore, many viruses are bug-ridden, and these bugs may lead to system crashes and data loss.

MALWARE

Malware means ?malicious? and ?software?. Software is considered malware based on the perceived intent of the creator rather than any particular features. It includes computer viruses, worms, Trojan horses, spyware, dishonest adware, and other malicious and unwanted software. In law, malware is sometimes known as a computer contaminant and malware should not be confused with defective software, that is, software which has a legitimate purpose but contains harmful bugs.

SOFTWARE BUG

Software bug or just bug is an error, flaw, mistake, failure, or fault in a computer program that prevent it from behaving as intended such as producing an incorrect result. Bug is a consequence of the mature of human factors in the programming task. They arise from oversight made by computer programmers during design, coding and data entry.

BUGGY

A program that contains large number of bugs, and/or bugs that seriously interfere with its functionality.

BUG REPORT

Report detailing bugs in a program are commonly known as bug reports, fault reports, problem reports, trouble reports, change requests and so forth.

BENEFITS OF PROTECTING YOUR COMPUTER.

Antivirus protection software is a term used to describe a computer program that attempts to identify, neutralize or eliminate malicious software. Modern antivirus software is now designed to combat a wide range of threats, including worms, phishing attacks, rootkits, Trojan horses and other malware. Antivirus software uses two different techniques to accomplish this:

Examining or scanning files to look for known viruses matching definitions in a virus dictionary. Identifying suspicious behavior from any computer program which might indicate infection.

Many private citizens, businesses, and local governments are not concerned about computer security until they suffer a damaging attack. Such attack can cost computer users a great deal of money in lost business, lost information or damaged computer equipment.

Using a computer anti-virus program is the first in protecting a business or private computer. Anti virus program searches the computer for, and guard against viruses. It also inspects incoming email and new program for viruses. Some computer companies produce anti-virus program also provide new information called updates to protect against new viruses or worms as they appear.