Computer Virus Definitions
Boot sector viruses reside in the memory and most are written for DOS. The virus attaches itself to the part of the boot sector that has a small program that runs during bootup. When an infected floppy disk is used to attempt to start the machine the virus will continue to reside in memory where it will attach itself to all floppy disks that are not write-protected.
Master boot record viruses are similar to boot sector viruses, residing in the memory and usually written for DOS, however, the difference is where the virus code is written. The virus generally moves the intact boot record to another location. Windows FAT partitions can boot to DOS and run an antivirus prgram while NTFS partitioned computers will need to restore the system using the three Windows NT Setup disks.
File infector viruses invade program/executable files and after the memory is infected it will attach itself to any executable program that is started. These virus types can be spread by running a floppy disk, spread by a hard drive or by a computer network.
Multi-partite viruses, also known as polypartite viruses, infect the boot records and program files simultaneously. To get rid of the virus both the boot record and program files must be clean of the virus. If the virus is removed only from the program files but not the boot record the files will become reinfected and the reverse is the same, if the virus is not cleaned from the program files but only from the boot record, the virus will reinfect the boot record. These type viruses can be more difficult to clean.
Macro viruses infect data files, are the most common and have cost corporations a huge amount of undisclosed money and time. All of these viruses use another applications programming language. Usually written with Visual Basic it infects a variety of data from different programs such as Microsoft Word, Excel, Access, Powerpoint and with newer macro virus versions infecting many other programs. There are thousands of macro virus variants in circulation today.
Trojans are programs that get their name from the Greek fable where a large wooden horse on wheels was delivered to Troy as a gift. After the horse was wheeled into the guarded fortress, Greek soldiers hidden within the horse emerged and captured the city. These programs are downloaded through pictures or programs that appear to be helpful or entertaining but contain programs designed to capture your information or keystrokes on your computer.
If you're having virus trouble or think you might need certified computer technician to look at your computer please contact Pryme Solutions at 734-274-2004.