Effect of virus on computer systems: A survey of student's perception

Abstract

Computer viruses are generally malicious, detrimental to data and system integrity as well as a number-one method of computer vandalism. Users of computer systems have different perception of the effect these viruses can cause to a computer system. This paper presents the results of a questionnaire survey carried out in Bayero University Kano to investigate the students’ perception of the effect of computer virus. A total of 120 respondents participated in the study. The data collected was analyzed using descriptive tools such as percentages and charts. Chi-square is then used as inferential tool. The results showed that the frequency of virus attack is statistically significant with exchange of flash drives (p=0.026), browsing in the café (p=0.006) and backing up data (p=0.000). However no significant statistically association was found between frequency of virus attack with type of operating system (p=0.51) and usage of external memory (p=0.726).This research will help in enlightening users especially students on what attract virus to the computer system and how to control the spread and effect of these viruses.

Keywords: Virus, Students, Survey

Vol. 26, No. 1, June, 2019