What is a virus?
General description of a computer virus is that it's a programme which can attach itself to files to make your computer act in a way you don't expect or you don't want. It can reproduce itself when its code is attached to files on your computer.

How do they work?

Its executable code which attaches itself to, overwrites or replaces another program in order to reproduce itself on your computer without your knowledge. The virus spreads when you open a programme or from an infected disk.

What damage can they cause?

There are different types of viruses. Some viruses are just nuisances, and make a minor change to your computer. Some format or overwrite the hard disc such as the Michelangelo virus and you may lose some work. The more damaging viruses destroy your backups or make changes that you are unaware of until too late - or confuse you so you are unsure what data has been changed.

For more information visit www.symantec.com

About deleting files

Are Deleted Files Completely Erased?

Have you ever wondered what exactly happens to the files you have just deleted?

Have they gone completely or have they only shifted from place to place?

A common belief when deleting files is that they are completely removed from the hard drive. However, you should be aware that highly sensitive data can still be retrieved from a hard drive even after the files have been deleted because the data is not really gone. Files that have been moved to the recycle bin or the trash can remain in those folders until the user empties the recycle bin or trash can. Once they have been deleted from those folders, they are still in the hard drive and can be easily retrieved with right software.

So, any time that you thought you deleted files from a hard drive and they have gone, they are actually not erased. What is erased is the bit of information that points to the location of the file on the hard drive. The file still exists; the operating system just doesn't know how to find it.

The only way how to completely erase a file without trace is to overwrite the data. Currently there are many "file erasing" software products available on the market that will automatically permanently erase files by overwriting them.

Dictionary

Linux – another type of operation system

Search engine - specialized programs assisting in locating information on the Web and the Internet

Pixel – small dots that form images on a monitor. The greater the number of pixels, the better quality the image is.

Quote of the Month

The secret to creativity is knowing how to hide your sources.

Albert Einstein

I wish people who have trouble communicating would just shut up.

Tom Lehrer

(1928 - )

Remember if you have any queries or would like assistance - please do not hesitate to get in touch.

Have a great month!

Hana and the Strobe Net team.

Remember if you have any queries or would like assistance - please do not hesitate to get in touch.

Have a great month

the Strobe Net team.