what actually is a computer virus and where do they come from?

Question

are they just the work of geeks with too much time on theyre hands ? if so can they be traced back to source?

Answer 1

I think in general there are two kinds of computer viruses, intentional and unintentional.

1. Intentional viruses are programs, mods or other codes purposely created to subvert security, corrupt files or otherwise disrupt the normal functions of your computer. Usually this is because the creator has some malicious intent (Trojan virus).

2. Unintentional viruses are usually programs and codes legitimately developed but incorrectly programmed. The developers may have let something slip during testing and didn't catch an 'unintentional feature'. These also have the potentional to subvert security, corrupt files or disrupt everyday normal computer functions (ex. Microsoft Windows).

It is hard to trace the origins of a virus. Suppose you were able to identify the cause of a virus is a program on your computer that was downloaded without your permission. This program is not required to come with any history of it's origins. You can find basic information about the file like when it was created, last modified etc. But it will not include incriminating evidence on where it was downloaded from or the computer's ID it was created with.

Answer 2

Computer viri are small (usually) programs that are (usually) self-replicating. They are able to attach themelves to transmitted files and thus infect other computers. Once inside a computer, they will run, and attach themselves to other files, such as an email, and, reading an address book, send them to other computers.

Some can be benign, not causing any more harm than simply sending themselves to others; others can be malignant, wreaking havoc with your computer by filling the hard disk with junk, deleting system files and such.

There are also programs called worms, which, technically aren't viri, and work by exploiting macros and such.

Some viri and worms have been traced to individuals, and some people have been prosecuted.

Originally, a self-replicating program was somewhat of an academic interest, an attempt to simulate an artificial life-form. The potential to cause damage on a large scale is something that interests some hackers.

Answer 3

a virus is a program that comes to your computer from some bad websites, with bad software, for example if u download something from limewire u will probably have virus, virus is created by some bad people mainly computer programmers, i think, or even hackers. there are lots of antiviruses, but the best, i guess, is norton 360. in most cases, i think, u can't track where they came from, so u have to be careful. it weighs (in hard drive memory meaning) very little, so u won't be able to know whether u have virus or not. except if u have a trojan (virus, not horse) which "eats" all your hard drive, so did u get all the answers u wanted? if not, contact me-ask more questions, i'll try to find u

Answer 4

it is an actual computer program running on your machine, and can be designed to to just about anything. They are often made as hobbies or personal projects, or just to be a nuisance. They cannot be traced, but often times these people do leave a trail of evidance that does infact lead authorities back to them.

Answer 5

Computer viruses are unwanted programs doing unwanted things on your computer (normally damaging effects). They are developed by computer enthusiasts, some are hired by mobs for financial gain, some do it only for the pleasure. Good malware developers cover their tracks well, but most of them love to take the credit for large scale destruction. Just to show the rest how good they are.

Answer 6

It's all about making money. Perhaps Eugene Kaspersky, founder of anti-virus maker Kaspersky Labs said it best, " It's a different world today. 10 years ago, we were fighting against smart kids who hacked as a hobby. Now, we're dealing with criminal gangs that control your computer to make money. Different world, different protections."

http://www.eweek.com/article2/0,1895,2074772,00.asp?kc=EWEWEMNL121806EP24A

Answer 7

a computer program that is designed to replicate itself by copying itself into the other programs stored in a computer. It may be benign or have a negative effect, such as causing a program to operate incorrectly or corrupting a computer's memory.

Answer 8

in my opinion, there are guys sitting in thier cubical at nortons, and they hear rumor that work is slow, maybe layoffs in the future....... so they create a virus and send it out, not only does it create work, but now they get to be a hero and fix the virus...instant job security....