An introduction to computer viruses: problems and solutions

Abstract

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to discuss various types of computer viruses, along with their characteristics, working, effects on the computer systems and to suggest measures for detecting the virus infection in a computer system and to elaborate means of prevention.Design/methodology/approachThe author undertook an extensive study and review of the literature available online and on relevant web sites on the present topic.FindingsA large number of viruses were found during the study, which are causing serious damages to computer systems. The author suggests ways to detect and prevent the different computer viruses.Research limitations/implicationsThe research is based on and limited to the study of the relevant literature available on different relevant web sites.Practical implicationsThe research will benefit business organizations, business houses, educational institutions and libraries working in fully computerized environments, in detection of viruses and preventing infection of their computer systems.Social implicationsThe society will also benefit by attaining knowledge about the different types of computer viruses and the measures of prevention of infection.Originality/valueThere are a number of studies and articles available on the topic but almost all of them appear to be incomplete in the sense that either they discuss only a limited number of known viruses or suggest only limited ways of prevention. The paper has made an attempt to discuss almost all the computer viruses and every possible way of prevention of infection from them.