ICT Class 8 - Internet Viruses Notes

Comprehensive study notes for Class 8 - Internet Viruses olympiad preparation

Internet and Viruses

Welcome to the chapter on Internet and Viruses for Class 8. In this chapter, you will learn what the internet is, how it works, and what computer viruses are. By the end of this chapter, you will understand how to use the internet safely and protect your computer from viruses!

Introduction

The internet is a global network that connects millions of computers. It helps us find information, communicate, and share files. But, using the internet also brings risks like computer viruses.

What is the Internet?

  • A network of computers all over the world.
  • Used for browsing websites, sending emails, chatting, and sharing files.
  • Examples of internet services: Email, social media, online games, cloud storage.

Benefits of the Internet

  • Quick access to information.
  • Easy communication with people anywhere.
  • Online shopping, banking, and learning.
  • Entertainment: videos, music, games.

What are Computer Viruses?

A computer virus is a harmful program that can damage your computer or steal your data. Viruses spread through infected files, emails, or websites.

  • Viruses can slow down your computer.
  • They can delete or change files.
  • Some viruses steal personal information.

Types of Computer Viruses

  • Worms: Spread quickly to other computers.
  • Trojans: Hide inside other programs and cause harm.
  • Spyware: Collects information without your knowledge.
  • Ransomware: Locks your files and asks for money to unlock them.

How Do Viruses Spread?

  • Downloading files from unsafe websites.
  • Opening email attachments from unknown senders.
  • Using infected USB drives.
  • Clicking on suspicious links.

Protecting Your Computer from Viruses

  • Install antivirus software and keep it updated.
  • Do not open emails or attachments from unknown sources.
  • Download files only from trusted websites.
  • Regularly update your operating system and software.
  • Do not click on suspicious links or pop-ups.

Fun Activity: Internet Safety Poster

Make a poster showing tips for safe internet use and how to protect computers from viruses. Share it with your class!

Summary

  • The internet connects computers worldwide and helps us in many ways.
  • Computer viruses are harmful programs that can damage your computer.
  • Use antivirus software and be careful online to stay safe.

Practice Questions

  1. What is the internet?
  2. Name two types of computer viruses.
  3. How can viruses spread?
  4. List two ways to protect your computer from viruses.
  5. Why should you not open emails from unknown senders?

Challenge Yourself

  • Write five tips for safe internet use.
  • Find out what ransomware does and how to avoid it.

Did You Know?

  • The first computer virus was created in the 1970s!
  • Some viruses can spread to thousands of computers in minutes.

Glossary

  • Internet: A global network connecting computers.
  • Virus: A harmful program that can damage computers.
  • Antivirus: Software that protects computers from viruses.
  • Ransomware: A virus that locks files and asks for money.

Answers to Practice Questions

  1. A global network that connects computers.
  2. Worms, trojans, spyware, ransomware (any two).
  3. By downloading unsafe files, opening infected emails, using infected USB drives.
  4. Install antivirus software, do not open unknown emails, download from trusted sites.
  5. Because they may contain viruses or harmful links.

Use the internet wisely and keep your computer safe from viruses!