Computer Viruses and Antivirus Software
We find out what computer viruses are, how they spread and how to protect a computer from them.
All topics (10 of 11)
Chapter 1. Types of Algorithms
Chapter 2. Office Programs
Chapter 3. Computer Graphics
Chapter 4. The Internet and Safety
Chapter 5. Encoding Information
A computer virus is a malicious program that can copy itself and harm a computer without the user knowing. A virus can corrupt files, delete or steal data and slow the computer down. One kind is the worm, which spreads across a network by itself; a Trojan hides inside what looks like a useful program.
Viruses most often arrive through email attachments, programs downloaded from doubtful sites and flash drives. You may suspect an infection if the computer works unusually slowly, files disappear or strange windows appear on the screen.
To protect a computer we install an antivirus program (Kaspersky, ESET, Windows Defender and others): it scans files and removes the viruses it finds. Its virus database must be updated regularly, because new viruses appear all the time. Also, do not open unknown files, download programs only from official sites and keep copies of important files.
Key takeaways
- A virus is a malicious program that can copy itself.
- Viruses spread through email, doubtful sites and flash drives.
- An antivirus scans files and removes viruses.
- Update the antivirus database and keep backup copies.
Practice tasks
- Run an antivirus program, scan a flash drive or a folder and write down the result (how many files were scanned, how many threats found).
- Make a reminder with 5 rules for protection against viruses and design it nicely for the classroom wall.
- Explain in your own words the difference between a worm and a Trojan, and give a real-life analogy for each.
Review questions
Test yourself: think first, then reveal the answer.
1What is a computer virus?Show answerHide answer
A malicious program that can copy itself and cause harm.2Why must the antivirus database be updated?Show answerHide answer
Because new viruses keep appearing, and an antivirus finds only the ones it knows about.
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