Computer viruses and worms come in all shapes and sizes. Some may do nothing more than slow your computer down, while others are quite dangerous and may completely disable your system. One of the most disturbing types of computer worms or viruses, however, is a type of worm that carries passwords to x rated websites. W32/Melissa has been contained, but the virus spread at a rapid pace back in 1999 by integrating itself into program or data files. Each time the host program is run, the virus spread. The virus worked with Microsoft Word 97, Microsoft Word 2000, and Microsoft Outlook 97 of 98 e-mail client.
For more information about Melissa, see: http://www.f-secure.com/v-descs/melissa.shtml
About Viruses and Worms
Computer worms are a type of malicious software program. Like all worms and viruses, computer worms can slow your system down to a crawl or completely disable it. Unlike the Trojan Horse, which is a malicious software program that cannot reproduce or self-replicate, computer worms have the ability to multiply at a rapid pace. In order to get rid computer worms or other malicious software such the Trojan Horse, it is important to understand the devastating effects computer worms (and Trojans) can have on your computer.
Computer Worm Activity
A computer worm is a sub-class of viruses. Computer worms can spread from computer to computer, travel across networks, copy address books and send itself out to everyone in it. Computer worms can even freeze or disable entire servers. Some of the most sophisticated computer worms can actually tunnel into your computer and give users remote access to your computer. One of the most notorious of these is the Blaster Worm. The Blaster Worm, created in part by an 18-year-old kid from Minnesota back in 2003, spread on computers running Windows XP and Windows 2000. This computer worm virus was also called “Lovsan” and “Lovesan.”
FYI: Trojan Horse
A Trojan Horse may sound less severe than computer worms, but it can still cause damage to your computer. A Trojan or “Trojan Horse” is actually a wolf in sheep’s clothing. It will present itself as helpful program, but once you install it on your computer, it will wreak havoc on your system almost immediately. A Trojan Horse may appear in the form of a file or software program that has been sent from a legitimate source. The Trojan Horse will install and a number of things can happen. Some Trojans will simply rearrange your desktop or add annoying icons to your desktop and others will delete files. Some of the more advanced Trojans can open the door to predators looking to steal your identity. These types of Trojans can give users unlimited access to your system. Trojans do not reproduce or replicate. Worms, on the other hand, can reproduce, self-replicate and infect other files.
How to Get Rid of Computer Worms
To get rid of malicious software there are a number of free computer worms removal software downloads available on the web. The problem is that you have to make sure that the download is from a trusted source. If you are running Windows, stick with Microsoft software downloads. Microsoft offers its “Windows Malicious Software Removal Tool” free of charge for its Windows operating system. The great thing about this free worm removal tool is that it updates once a month and reports if malicious software is found.
Other malicious software and computer worm removal tools include: Norton AntiVirus and McAfee Antivirus. These software programs are not free. It is important to note that while the Microsoft Software Removal Tool helps remove infections, it does not prevent them. If you want added security, it’s best to install Norton or McAfee as well.
From Microsoft:
The Microsoft Windows Malicious Software Removal Tool checks Windows XP, Windows 2000, and Windows Server 2003 computers for and helps remove infections by specific, prevalent malicious software including Blaster Worm, Sasser, and Mydoom. When the detection and removal process is complete, the tool displays a report describing the outcome, including which, if any, malicious software was detected and removed. The tool creates a log file named mrt.log in the %WINDIR%\debug folder. Version 1.30 adds Win32/Allaple to the list of malicious software this tool detects.
You can download directly from the Microsoft website or Cnet.com.
All About Worms is always free, always reader-supported. Your tips via CashApp, Venmo, or Paypal are appreciated! Receipts will come from ISIPP Publishing.