From M/Cyclopedia of New Media
Hi, my name is Melissa.
I'm in my second year of a dual degree, also known as a Bachelor of Creative Industries (Media and Communication)/Bachelor of Business (Public Relations & Marketing).
Melissa Patch 15:41, 27 Jul 2004 (EST)
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To view my Research Proposal and the links to my Major Research Project click on the link below.
Annotated Bibliography
The Computer Virus and New Media Technologies
- Cohen, Frederick. (1994) A Short Course on Computer Viruses: Second Edition, New York: John Wiley" Sons Inc, ISBN 0471007684.
- This updated edition of the classic is an exploration into the theoretical aspects of computer viruses. Cohen is frequently given credit for inventing the name ‘computer virus’, and his personal history of dealings with such are evident throughout the book. By providing both in-depth explanations and thorough discussions on virus examples, strategic and tactic defense mechanisms, and virus evolution, the text addresses the outbreak of computer viruses and the ongoing struggle to deter them. Due to a mixture of theory and elevated thinking, the reader gains an understanding into how computer viruses actually work and evolve; while at the same time becomes aware of the concept that current defenses are struggling.
- Harley, David; Slade, Robert; Gattiker, Urs. (2001) Viruses Revealed, California: Osborne/McGraw-Hill, ISBN 0072130903.
- This book provides an insight into the various facets of the computer virus. Mainly targeted at professionals but still useful to the everyday computer user, this book can be classified as a ‘need to know’ source on computer viruses and how to manage them. By being divided into four main sections – the problem, system solutions, case studies, and social aspects – the book is able to analyze in detail the different elements of computer viruses. The text covers areas such as the origin, structure, and technology behind today’s viruses, as well as addressing current methods of virus detection and prevention.
- Kane, Pamela. (1994) PC Security and Virus Protection, New York: M&T Books, ISBN 1558513906.
- This text acts as a simplified window into the computer virus. Beginning by offering the reader some easy-to-comprehend background knowledge regarding what a virus is, how a virus works, where a virus is found, and how a virus is spread; the book then progresses to cover topics including a contemporary history of computer viruses, virus myths and mysteries, and risk and recovery. Although the latter part of the text deals with now outdated information, it still manages to display a comparison between today’s viruses - not to mention the programs designed to defeat them - and those of only a decade ago. Such a comparison portrays just how quickly and intricately such viruses and programs are evolving.
- Prosise, Chris: Mandia, Kevin: Pepe, Matt. (2003) Incident Response and Computer Forensics: Second Edition, Australia: McGraw-Hill Osborne Media, ISBN 007222696X.
- This book is focused on not only how to deter or stop a virus attack, but also on how to determine when a computer is being or has been attacked. Targeted predominantly at IT professionals - but nonetheless still applicable in some ways to everyday users – the text aims to teach the reader how to verify that an attack has occurred or is underway, and identify the correct procedures to stop it. In some ways this book acts as a guide to do-it-yourself active surveillance, with anti-attack procedures addressed which aim to identify, apprehend, and prosecute attackers. Chiefly concerned with a tools and procedures approach to ailing attacks, case studies, diagrams, examples, and charts are evident throughout the chapters.
- Smith, George. (2003) The Virus Creation Labs: A Journey into the Underground, America: American Eagle Publications, ISBN 0929408098.
- This educational-yet-novelistic book addresses the underworld activities of the virus-writing community - and the actions of the anti-virus companies that attempted to stop them – up until approximately 1994. It adds a rare personal touch to such a faceless subject – not only are the viruses and anti-virus programs named, but in this instance so are their creators. Documenting the real-life experiences of those involved in the virus-writing community, the book portrays the battle between those behind the viruses (the attackers), and those that make up the anti-virus forces (the defenders). It delves into the seldom seen psychological motivations behind havoc-wreaking viruses, and allows the reader to not only familiarize themselves with the history of the computer virus, but sheds a softer – if not comical – light on such a widely serious topic.
- Syngress Media Inc; Bagnall, Brian; Stanger, James. (2000) E-mail Virus Protection Handbook: Protect your E-mail from Viruses, Tojan Horses, and Mobile Code Attacks, Syngress Publishing, ISBN 1928994237.
- This text investigates e-mail in terms of virus infection and protection. E-mail is one of the main – if not ‘the’ main – culprits for the harboring and trafficking of computer viruses. Aimed chiefly at network system administrators and end-users, this book examines firstly how and why e-mail viruses actually work, and then proceeds to investigate both the vulnerabilities common to servers and clients, and countermeasures that can be used to deter a virus attack. Current anti-virus and personal firewall software – along with advice concerning their configuration - are addressed and suggested, as well as how to encrypt e-mail messages and secure an operating system from virus damage.
- Brain, Marshall. How Computer Viruses Work, viewed August 11 2004.http://computer.howstuffworks.com/virus.htm
- Although this website has been created as a source of information on an almost inconceivable number of subjects, it still manages to offer a comprehensive and straightforward collection of information on the computer virus. Beginning with an explanation of the various types of virus infection, the information then proceeds to document the differences between a virus and a worm, discusses early case studies, covers both e-mail and boot sector viruses, investigates forms of computer protection, and then presents a thorough look at the history and origins of the computer virus. Because of the use of relatively easy language and writing style, the information included in this site can provide any viewer with ample background knowledge and know-how regarding the computer virus and what it entails.
- Computer Virus Timeline, viewed August 10 2004, http://www.factmonster.com/ipka/A0872842.html
- This page is a simplified timeline of computer virus activity from its very beginnings in 1949 up until present day. It documents the reign of the most significant viruses throughout the history of the computer, as well as explaining how these viruses actually took effect and what their implications were or could have been. The site investigates highly publicized viruses such as the ‘I Love You’ bug and the ‘Melissa’ virus, and also documents a number of virus hoaxes that created widespread panic throughout the computer world. This site gives the viewer a sufficient understanding of the ways in which computer viruses have evolved over time, as well as managing to display the obvious comparisons between the various viruses throughout history.
- Ducklin, Paul. (2001) Is Virus Writing Really That Bad?, viewed August 11 2004, http://antivirus.about.com/gi/dynamic/offsite.htm?site=http://www.sophos.com/virusinfo/whitepapers/virubad.html
- This paper - which was presented at the Fourth Anti-Virus Asia Researchers (AVAR) Conference in 2001 - aims to present a balanced examination of how bad computer viruses really are. It raises the very controversial issue that writers cannot be banned from creating viruses due to the simple fact that not all viruses are bad, and takes a look at examples of the so-called ‘good’ computer virus, as well as the positive possibilities that such viruses can offer computer users. It then goes on to present pessimistic attitudes towards viruses, and discusses the stereotypically negative views held by computer users throughout the world towards those responsible for them, as well as holding an investigation into the penalties regarding viruses which subsequently brings up the argument concerning whether or not harsher ramifications are in order. All in all, the paper concludes that although their intentions may be good-natured, when released into a computer system - all viruses are bad.
- Truth About Computer Security Hysteria, viewed August 10 2004, http://www.vmyths.com
- The evolved form of a 1988 paper titled ‘Computer Virus Myths’, this website is concerned with one elusive goal – to eradicate computer virus hysteria. Headed by two of the most learned sources on the subject of computer viruses – Rob Rosenberg (an original virus expert from the 1980’s and the first ever to focus on virus hysteria), and George C. Smith (author of both a book and newsletter solely focused on computer viruses and those responsible for them), as well as boasting columnists that are among the most respected security critics in the world today; this site provides a broad range of information regarding computer viruses and the hype that they cause. The site includes a complete A-Z list of every hoax ever created, as well as a range of comprehensive information regarding how to spot a hoax and how to determine when a virus actually provides a reason to worry.
- Virus Information, viewed August 9 2004, http://www.computerhope.com/vlist.htm
- Computerhope.com is exactly what the name suggests - a website dedicated to solving almost any problem that may arise when dealing with a computer. The page/pages dedicated to computer virus information provide a broad range of facts and solutions regarding viruses, including an explanation as to why a virus is called a virus, how they are contracted, what a virus is made up of, how a virus can affect a computer, methods of detection, and common myths surrounding the computer virus. This site also includes information on macro viruses – a newer and very worrying strain of computer viruses that are designed in a word processor to destroy, corrupt, infect, erase, or delete files and data saved on a computer’s hard disk drive. By visiting this site, any computer user can improve their knowledge of computer viruses, learn how to effectively protect their PC, and view a comprehensive list of all common and recent threatening viruses.
- Virus Writing 101: Students to Receive College Credit for Writing Malicious Code, viewed August 12 2004, http://antivirus.about.com/library/weekly/aa052303b.htm
- This article included in About.com’s archives discusses the University of Calgary’s decision to offer a curriculum including teaching students how to write computer viruses. The article investigates both the legal and ethical implications that such an opportunity would have, and gives both the University and those against the course the chance to voice their opinions and justifications. All in all, the article forces the reader to contemplate the fact that computer viruses and the skills of those behind them are rapidly evolving and improving. Does this course simply provide the means to breed more cyber-criminals, or in order to eradicate this harmful epidemic must students first be given the chance to understand the workings of the virus?
Melissa Patch 10:49, 13 Aug 2004 (EST)
