How Do Viruses And Worms Affect Your Computer

By: Jeff Clark

Unlike viruses that most commonly infect an individual
computer, the worms usually attack a computer network. A
computer network functions by using a collection of servers and
routers. This is what the internet is comprised of. A server is
like a PC but has more speed and storage and a router is a
server with specialized functions, it directs traffic through
the network. PC Security - Worm Viruses, Deadliest of All

A virus attacks the unit used to run programs on the computer
called the central processing unit or CPU for short. It does
this by running programs and being constantly busy, so that none
of the functions you select can be opened. Similarly, this is
how a worm functions on a network. The routers rely on memory
and processing time (similar to the CPU functions). These are
attacked and as a result the network drastically slows down.

Worms carry payloads which are comprised of other types of
malware, backdoor installations or spyware. Spyware is a
monitoring program that can keep an eye on activities on your
computer and backdoor programs set up hidden access points used
by hackers to steal your information or send spam.

"My Doom" sent out at the beginning of 2004, was the fastest
spreading worm to date. The worm came in the form of an email
with the message "andy; I'm just doing my job, nothing personal,
sorry."

Although the culprit was never found, its intended victim is
thought to have been a software company called Santa Cruz
Operation or SCO for short.

When a person opened this email, the worm was programmed to
overwhelm SCO's website with traffic. The worm spread through
the internet and caused a massive slow down.

For the individual computer, the worm's payload is more serious
because it allows ports to be opened on the computer where
hackers have access to steal or delete information. In addition,
a payload may come with a program to attack your antivirus
software and disable it.

De worming

Using firewalls will help protect your computer. Firewalls
reduce traffic and "hide" your computer. In this state, you are
less likely to be attacked by worms spread over the network.

Be careful not to open suspicious emails and if you don't know
the person or get and unexpected email don't open it. If you
find your computer is slow and reboots by itself or the internet
is sluggish, you may have been infected. Try running antivirus
software to check it out. If that doesn't work, try to manually
removing the virus. Information as to how this is done can be
found on the internet.

About the author:
Jeff Clark is a staff writer at Technology Digest
and is an occasional contributor to several other websites,
including Games
Enthusiast.