Question

After a fortnight of extraordinary type, the much-feared computer virus that was supposed to strike the globe’s hard drives last Friday simply fizzled. So many warnings were sounded that most computer owners either fed anti-virus programs into their systems or refused to turn the power on during the dreaded M-day. They dodged one disease, but more strains are on the way. The eponymous Friday-the-13th virus is due to strike this week, and the Maltese Amoeba may detonate on March 15.

Who creates these things? A disproportionate number seems to originate in Bulgaria or Russia, where writing the smallest, most elegant virus programs has become a matter of quirky pride. Viruses are transmitted either by shared disks (as was Michelangelo) or over telephone lines. The virus program hides in a computer until, activated by a date, time, or some other trigger, it springs to life. The most common virus, Stoned, makes your screen announce: “Your computer is now stoned. Legalize marijuana. ” (Regardless of your politics, you don’t want this one around; it can damage your files inadvertently.) Solution: either keep your computer isolated—no trading disks, no on-line communication—or else install one of a dozen or so commercially available anti-virus programs that detect and delete the little time bombs. If they can come up with a virus that is hidden, will they next try to extort a business?—as in, pay me $1 million or my virus will destroy your system.

In the meantime, money is being made by firms selling anti-virus programs. Egghead software stores logged a 3,000 percent jump in anti-virus sales. Was the threat overblown by the companies that make millions selling anti-virus software? Thanks to the media blitz, no one will ever know what might have happened—an unallied number of computer owners discovered and deleted Michelangelo before it was supposed to strike—on the artist’s birthday.

The much-feared M-day was ________.

A. Friday-the-13th when the eponymous virus was due to strike

B. Friday-the-15th when the Maltese Amoeba would be activated

C. the previous Friday when Michelangelo virus was due to strike

D. the previous Friday which coincided with the artist's birthday

Computer viruses are ________.

A. diseases spread from one computer to another by shared disks

B. viruses hidden in a computer’s instructions by the designers

C. little time bombs hidden in a computer waiting to be triggered

D. just those computer programs created by malevolent designers

Which of the following sayings fits the Michelangelo virus?

A. A burnt child dreads the fire.        B. The bug’s bark was worse than its bite.

C. A barking dog seldom bites.         D. Once bitten, twice shy.

The author implies that in days to come the viruses might be used ________.

A. to destroy data                            B. to commit crimes

C. to commit mischief                      D. to create confusion

Answer 1

【小题1】C

【小题2】D

【小题3】B

【小题4】B

解析:

13. C  事实细节题。由文章第 1 句中的 last Friday 可知答案。

14. D  推理判断题。根据一般常识，电脑病毒肯定是由搞恶作剧的人设计的电脑程序。文章的第 2 段有较为详细的叙述。

15. B  推理判断题。该病毒可以被认为是“臭虫狂吠，但并无恶意”。

16. B  事实细节题。第 2 段的最后两句话就是答案。