Internet Security

Common Computer Virus Basics 104-3

In the Wild

Viruses found "in the wild" are viruses which are known to be spreading, as opposed to viruses which are not currently spreading, but are confined "in the zoo."

Joke Programs

Command detects the presence of several well-known joke programs which can interrupt the normal operation of a PC. While joke programs are generally not harmful in any way, their side effects are often mistaken for those of a virus.

Logic Bomb

A logic bomb is a program which will execute a pre-programmed routine (frequently destructive) when a designated condition is met. Logic bombs do not make copies of themselves.

Macro Virus

A macro virus is a virus written in one of the many macro languages. The macro viruses spread via infected files, which can be documents, spreadsheets, databases, or any computer program which allows use of a macro language. At present, these viruses can infect Microsoft Word and Lotus Ami Pro documents. View also Macro Virus information section.

Malware

A generic name for software which intentionally performs actions which can damage data or disrupt systems.

Master Boot Record

On all PC fixed disks, the first physical sector is reserved for a short bootstrap program. This sector is the Master Boot Record (MBR). It also includes the partition table. View also Boot Sector and Boot Sector or MBR Virus.

Memory-Resident

Residing in computer memory as opposed to on a disk.

Multi-Partite

A virus able to infect both files and boot sectors is said to be multi-partite. Such viruses are highly infectious.

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