Slashdot Mirror

← Back to Stories (view on slashdot.org)

20 Years of Computer Viruses

Posted by CowboyNeal on from the spreading-the-news dept.

Tuxedo Jack writes "The Register reports that twenty years ago today (19 January 1986), the first computer virus, Brain, was discovered. By modern standards, this was a minor virus, and it spread by floppy disks, which is a far cry from the network-aware worms of today. Still, though, it was the first noted virus, and we've had twenty years of pain and annoyance from it and its successors. Happy birthday, Brain, you and all your little virus friends - just know we're doing our damndest to keep you from having more."

5 of 278 comments (clear)

  1. Correction by Lithgon · · Score: 0, Offtopic

    20 years and 1 day.

  2. Re:Yay for viruses! by Terminal+Saint · · Score: 0, Offtopic

    Bitter much?

    --
    It's sad when choosing an installation directory on your own qualifies you as an "advanced user."
  3. Re:brain and.. by linuxfanatic1024 · · Score: 0, Offtopic

    NARF!!

    --
    Microsoft-free since March 28, 2004
  4. Re:Yay for viruses! by MegaFur · · Score: 0, Offtopic

    You make a good point. But then this is slashdot where stuff like actually using the correct word (e.g. than/then) matters little.

    --
    Furry cows moo and decompress.
  5. This is the photo of the first real computer bug! by sxmjmae · · Score: 0, Offtopic


    See real bug at: http://history.navy.mil/photos/images/h96000/h9656 6kc.htm

    It happened 9 September 1945 at Harvard University.

    --
    My Sig indicates the end of the comment I posted.