F.I.C.C.T.E.

Name:
Inglés II 90.504 Date:
MID-TERM EXAM

COMPUTER VIRUS

A computer virus is a computer program that can copy itself and infect a computer without
permission or knowledge of the user. The term “virus” is also commonly used, although
incorrectly, to refer to many different types of malware and adware programs. The original
virus may modify the copies, or the copies may modify themselves. A virus can only spread
from one computer to another when its host is taken to the uninfected computer, for instance
by a user sending it over a network or the Internet, or by carrying it on a removable medium
such as a floppy disk, CD, or USB drive. Meanwhile viruses can spread to other computers by
infecting files on a network file system or a file system that is accessed by another computer.
Viruses are sometimes confused with computer worms and Trojan horses. A worm can spread
itself to other computers without needing to be transferred as part of a host, and a Trojan
horse is a file that appears harmless. In general, a worm does no actually harm either the
system´s hardware or software, while a Trojan´s payload may be capable of almost any type of
harm if executed. Some can be seen when the program is not running, but as soon as the
infected code is run, the Trojan horse kicks in. That is why it is so hard for people to find
viruses and other malware themselves and why they have to use spyware programs and
registry processors.

I) Read the article and write the main idea in English:

II) TRUE (T) or FALSE (F):

1) The term “virus” is also properly used to refer to many different types of
malware and adware programs.
2) A virus can only spread from one computer to another when its host is taken
to the uninfected computer.
3) For instance by a user sending it over a network or the internet.
4) A worm can´t spread itself to other computers if it´s not part of a host.
5) A worm actually harms either the system´s hardware or software and a Trojan
´s payload may be capable of any type of harm if executed.
III) Answer the questions:

1) What is a computer Virus?

2) What can an original virus modify?
3) Can a virus spread from one computer to another anytime?
4) What is the difference between a Worm and a Virus?
5) Why do people have to use spyware programs and registry processors?