Since the beginning of the internet age in the early 1980s, people have not merely been concerned with keeping the internet free from viruses. In point of fact, some people wreak havoc on the internet by creating and spreading nasty and disastrous computer viruses. Hence, the so-called hackers cause mayhem and destruction in the net. It is a fact that computer viruses cause great damage because they can pass from one computer to another like a biological virus, thus infecting the system.
Hence, a computer virus can be regarded as the undesirable embodiment of human intelligence to interrupt and to create a vacuum in the constant flow of internet information. What is more, the history of the computer virus is laced with the human need to be recognized. Thus, many research projects show that the majority of virus creators crave public acknowledgement. However, there are many other reasons why people try to spread computer viruses. Nonetheless, all hackers can be seen as dangerous and harmful, being indifferent to the consequences of spreading viruses to themselves and to others.
In the following, I will concentrate on the phenomenon of computer viruses. Therefore, I will focus on the reasons why computer viruses were brought to life, discussing the history of the computer virus and the effects it has taken on our society. It is a fact that hackers not only use viruses, worms and Trojan horses to cause a loss of information but also to gain control over remote systems and the information stored on these systems. For this reason, I will not only concentrate on the way the virus affects our everyday life but also on the effects it has in the business sector.
Table of Contents
- 1. Abstracts
- 2. Computer Viruses: History, Reasons and Effects on Society
Objectives and Key Themes
This text aims to explore the phenomenon of computer viruses, focusing on their history, the reasons behind their creation, and their societal impact. It examines the evolution of computer viruses from their emergence in the late 1980s to their effects on both daily life and the business sector.
- The history of computer viruses.
- The reasons behind the creation of computer viruses.
- The societal impact of computer viruses.
- The comparison between biological and electronic viruses.
- The ethical and moral implications of computer virus creation and spread.
Chapter Summaries
1. Abstracts: This section provides an introduction to the topic of computer viruses, highlighting their destructive potential and the motivations behind their creation. It establishes the text's focus on exploring the history, reasons, and societal effects of these viruses, emphasizing the role of hackers and the damage caused by viruses, worms, and Trojan horses across various sectors, including personal use and business. The introduction foreshadows a deeper dive into the phenomenon's impact and the ethical dimensions of its creation and proliferation.
2. Computer Viruses: History, Reasons and Effects on Society: This chapter delves into the historical context of computer virus emergence, tracing it back to the late 1980s with the rise of personal computers, bulletin board systems, and floppy disks. The chapter examines the role of these technological advancements in facilitating the spread of viruses. It uses the example of "The Brain" virus and the Morris worm to illustrate the early impact of computer viruses and the subsequent societal response, including the establishment of anti-virus centers and calls for stronger legislation. The chapter also draws parallels between computer viruses and biological viruses like HIV, highlighting both similarities and fundamental differences, specifically concerning intentionality and social significance. The chapter concludes by discussing the media's portrayal of computer viruses and the ensuing "moral panic."
Keywords
Computer viruses, hackers, worms, Trojan horses, history of computer viruses, societal impact, biological vs. electronic viruses, anti-virus software, moral panic, internet security, computer crime, legislation.
Frequently Asked Questions: A Comprehensive Language Preview
What is the topic of this text?
This text explores the phenomenon of computer viruses, focusing on their history, the reasons behind their creation, and their societal impact. It examines the evolution of computer viruses from their emergence in the late 1980s to their effects on both daily life and the business sector.
What are the main themes covered in the text?
Key themes include the history of computer viruses, the motivations behind their creation, their societal impact, a comparison between biological and electronic viruses, and the ethical and moral implications of computer virus creation and spread.
What is included in the Table of Contents?
The table of contents includes: 1. Abstracts and 2. Computer Viruses: History, Reasons and Effects on Society.
What does the "Abstracts" section cover?
The "Abstracts" section provides an introduction to computer viruses, highlighting their destructive potential and motivations behind their creation. It establishes the text's focus on exploring the history, reasons, and societal effects of these viruses, emphasizing the damage caused across various sectors. It foreshadows a deeper dive into the impact and ethical dimensions.
What does the "Computer Viruses: History, Reasons and Effects on Society" chapter cover?
This chapter delves into the historical context of computer virus emergence, tracing it back to the late 1980s. It examines the role of technological advancements in facilitating the spread of viruses, using examples like "The Brain" virus and the Morris worm. It draws parallels between computer and biological viruses, highlighting similarities and differences. The chapter concludes by discussing the media's portrayal and the ensuing "moral panic."
What are the key words associated with this text?
Key words include: Computer viruses, hackers, worms, Trojan horses, history of computer viruses, societal impact, biological vs. electronic viruses, anti-virus software, moral panic, internet security, computer crime, and legislation.
What is the overall objective of this text?
The text aims to provide a comprehensive overview of computer viruses, examining their historical development, underlying causes, and far-reaching societal consequences.
What types of viruses are discussed?
The text discusses computer viruses, worms, and Trojan horses.
What is the significance of the comparison between biological and electronic viruses?
The comparison highlights both similarities (e.g., spread, impact) and fundamental differences (e.g., intentionality, social context) between biological and electronic viruses, enriching the understanding of the phenomenon.
What is the role of the media in the context of computer viruses, as discussed in the text?
The text discusses the media's portrayal of computer viruses and the resulting "moral panic," highlighting the societal response to the threat.
- Quote paper
- Sirinya Pakditawan (Author), 2002, Computer Viruses. History, Reasons and Effects on Society, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/59349
