Guide To Computer Viruses

For those who didn't buy the first edition, welcome aboard. For those who did buy the first edition, welcome back, and thanks for making the second edition possible. For those who bought the first edition and are standing in the book store wondering whether to buy the second, what's in it for you? Well, for one thing, it's smaller. (No, no! Don't leave!) I tried to make the first edition a kind of master reference for antiviral protection. That meant I included a lot of stuff that I thought might possibly be helpful, even if I had some doubts about it. This time I've tried to be a little more selective. I've added a little more material to Chapter 4 (Computer Opera tions and Viral Operations) dealing with the question of computer vi ruses infecting data files and the new "macro" viruses. I've added two new sections to Chapter 7 (The Virus and Society). One looks at the increasing problem of false alarms while the other looks at the ethics of virus writing and exchange.

Designed for the busy executive. Provides a clear understanding of viruses and the detrimental effect they could have on an organization. Includes step-by-step methods to disinfect your computer.

In this book you'll learn everything you wanted to know about computer viruses, ranging from the simplest 44-byte virus right on up to viruses for 32-bit Windows, Unix and the Internet. You'll learn how anti-virus programs stalk viruses and what viruses do to evade these digital policemen, including stealth techniques and poly-morphism. Next, you'll take a fascinating trip to the frontiers of science and learn about genetic viruses. Will such viruses take over the world, or will they become the tools of choice for the information warriors of the 21st century? Finally, you'll learn about payloads for viruses, not just destructive code, but also how to use a virus to compromise the security of a computer, and the possibility of beneficial viruses.

Presents guidelines for preventing, deterring, containing, and recovering from attacks of viruses and related threats. Includes virus prevention for multi-user computers and associated networks, and personal computers.