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
3. Bibliography
Research Objectives and Themes
This paper examines the phenomenon of computer viruses, exploring their historical origins, the underlying motivations of virus creators, and their multifaceted impact on both society and the business sector.
- The historical evolution of computer viruses since the 1980s.
- Motivational factors driving individuals to create and spread malicious software.
- The societal and economic consequences of viral infections.
- Comparisons between biological viruses and cybernetic threats.
- The duality of hacking as both a destructive force and a catalyst for software innovation.
Excerpt from the Book
2. Computer Viruses: History, Reasons and Effects on Society
In the late 1980s, with the beginning of the internet age, traditional computer viruses were mostly first seen. There are some reasons why they came about at that time. The first and the most important reason was the spread of personal computers. In fact, PCs became very popular in the 1980s and thus became very common in homes, businesses and college campuses. Hence, the personal computer has nearly become omnipotent.
Another reason that led to the evolution of computer viruses in the late 1980s was the use of bulletin boards on the computer. As bulletin board systems became quite popular in the late 1980s and early 1990s, more viruses were created to infect popularly traded software. Thus, bulletin boards primarily led to what is today known as the so-called Trojan horse. The third reason why computer viruses came about at that time was most definitely the use of the floppy disk. As programs were still very small at the end of the 1980s, all kind of data could be fit on a single floppy disk and transferred to other computers. Hence, viruses could also be transmitted from one PC to another via floppy disk.
Summary of Chapters
1. Abstracts: This chapter provides an introduction to the nature of computer viruses, comparing them to biological threats and outlining the paper's focus on the motivations of hackers and the resulting societal impact.
2. Computer Viruses: History, Reasons and Effects on Society: This section details the historical emergence of viruses linked to the rise of personal computing and bulletin boards, and discusses the criminal as well as the occasionally unintended beneficial aspects of hacking.
3. Bibliography: A structured list of references and sources used throughout the research document.
Keywords
Computer Viruses, Hackers, Internet Age, Trojan Horse, Worms, Software Security, Cybercrime, Digital Innovation, Information Technology, Malware, Bulletin Board Systems, Viral Hysteria, Anti-virus Centers
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the core focus of this research paper?
The paper examines the phenomenon of computer viruses, specifically looking at their history, the reasons behind their creation, and the significant effects they have on modern society.
What are the central thematic areas of the study?
The study centers on the evolution of malicious software, the psychology and motivations of virus writers, the intersection of technology and organized crime, and the influence of hacking on software innovation.
What is the primary goal of the author?
The goal is to analyze why computer viruses exist, how they have transformed over time, and the extent of their impact on both everyday life and the business sector.
Which scientific or analytical method is utilized?
The paper employs a descriptive and analytical approach, synthesizing existing literature, historical events, and expert perspectives to evaluate the development and societal consequences of computer viruses.
What topics are covered in the main body of the work?
The main body covers the technological factors that facilitated early viruses (like PCs and floppy disks), the role of media in shaping "viral hysteria," and the transition of hacking from amateur experimentation to organized hi-tech criminal activity.
Which keywords best characterize the document?
Key terms include Computer Viruses, Hackers, Malware, Cybercrime, Software Security, and the socio-economic impacts of digital threats.
How does the author characterize the difference between biological and computer viruses?
The author notes that while both spread and need "hosts," computer viruses are deliberately created by human programmers and are deeply embedded with social meaning and intentionality, unlike biological viruses.
What role does the author attribute to hacking regarding software innovation?
The author argues that hacking has played a complex, dual role: while destructive, it has also forced the industry to address security flaws and design weaknesses, acting as a catalyst for progressive software development.
- Quote paper
- Sirinya Pakditawan (Author), 2002, Computer Viruses. History, Reasons and Effects on Society, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/59349
