A virus is designed to spread itself from one file to another within a computer.
A worm is designed to spread itself from computer to computer over a network.
More specifically:
A virus may be on an attachment or a floppy disk or a music download. A person then has to do "something" - either open the attachment, run the floppy, or download and execute the file - then once the computer is infected with the "virus"; the infection will spread internally throughout the computer.
A "worm" is designed to spread from computer to over a network without much human interaction. They may still use email, but can also use various other protocols to "worm" their way into your system, then use it to "worm" it's way to other members of the network you are attached too.
Hope that helps some
Posts: 402 | Location: Austin, Texas, USA | Registered: 06-03-02
Well, I got somehting on my computer that has slowed it down a bit and makes my icons "blink in order" so to speak. As in "my computer" icon will blink, then My Documents" icon, and so on down the line. So I wanted to know if there was any anti-virus software out there and anti-worm software out there that was FREE that I could use to check my computer. I already have both Norton Anti-Virus, but my definitions are a year old, and Grisoft Anti-Virus 6.0. So basically I wanna know is there any other programs out there that are free? Let me know, cuz so far all my definitions are out ot date and Grisoft doesn't have any new updates out there yet. --thanx, B. P.S.--Keep in mind I already have Norton and Grisoft 6.0. And also is there anyway to update my Norton for free or at least w/out a giving any credit card #s or bank account #s on-line or on phone....I hate that!
[This message was edited by Buggirl on 10-09-02 at 04:59 PM.]
Posts: 16 | Location: East America | Registered: 07-18-02
Watch out KaZaA users! Duload is yet another worm out there to get you. Some AIM kids told me about it. There needs to be more free software out there to fight this crap! I think it's unfair that the viruses and worm are always free, but to rid youself of them never is, nor is it easy!! Rrrr!!!! --B.
[This message was edited by Buggirl on 10-09-02 at 06:37 PM.]
Posts: 16 | Location: East America | Registered: 07-18-02
