1. Computer Viruses

2. Definition:
A computer virus is a computer program that can copy itself and infect a computer without permission or knowledge of the user

3. How do you get a virus?
Opening attachments from people you don’t know
Installing a program that has virus on the disk
Downloading infected programs from the Internet
Viruses can be disguised as attachments of funny images, greeting cards, or audio and video files.

4. What can viruses do to your computer?
Corrupt or delete data
Erase your hard drive
Use your program to spread itself to other computers
Send you annoying messages

5. Why do people make viruses?
These people are like vandals or arsonists – they get a “thrill” out of destroying other peoples’ property.
Because viruses cause such serious damage, the legal system is getting much harsher in punishing the people who make viruses.

6. Trojan Horse
Is a computer program that looks very useful, but when you install the program, it also installs a hidden virus.
During the Trojan War, the Greeks gave the Trojans a huge wooden horse as a “gift”. When the Trojans brought the gift into their city, the Greek soldiers jumped out of the horse and took over the city!

7. How can you keep viruses off your computer?
Never open attachments from people you don’t know
Make sure that your virus protection software is up-to-date.
Don’t download programs from the Internet - only use new store-bought software