This is an important key in designing a computer network. A little used term used to identify a virus authors' original copy of a virus. A little used term used to identify a virus authors' original copy of a virus. Germ A little used term used to identify a virus authors' original copy of a virus. H Heuristic Most leading packages have a heuristic scanning method to detect new or previously undected viruses in the wild.
Heuristic scanners look for patterns or activities that are virus like, changes in file sizes, etc.
The disadvantage of a heuristic scan is that it will often result in a fair number of false alarms or flags. There are lots of virus hoaxes going around, especially the email type. Good Times is the most well known hoax with plenty to follow. The bottom line is that you can never get a virus from just downloading and reading your mail. Trojan Horse is sometimes left to lie dormant, only to attack when the conditions are just right.