Original version

BBC World Service Online

Witness History

Podcasts

Factual: History

History as told by the people who were there

History as told by the people who were there.

Brain: The first personal computer virus

BBC World Service Australasia

BBC World Service East and Southern Africa Schedule

BBC World Service East and Southern Africa

BBC World Service schedule for American satellite radio and the Caribbean

BBC World Service Americas and the Caribbean

BBC World Service

BBC World Service South Asia

BBC World Service News Internet

BBC World Service Europe and the Middle East

BBC World Service West and Central Africa Schedule

BBC World Service West and Central Africa

BBC World Service East Asia

Witness History: Brain: The first personal computer virus

Documentaries

25/07/2023 GMT

BBC World Service - Witness History, Brain: The first personal computer virus

In 1986 a computer virus was developed accidentally by two brothers in Pakistan

The first virus for personal computers was named 'Brain' in 1986. 'Brain' was an accidental virus that spread around the world.

'Welcome to the dungeon' was the message that flashed up on computer screens in 1986.

This was thought to be the first virus for personal computers and became known as 'Brain'.

'Brain' spread around the world and became infamous when it was featured in newspapers and magazines.

 Amjad Farooq Alvi tells Gill Kearsley how he and his brother, Basit, came to develop this accidental virus from their shop in Lahore, Pakistan.

(Photo: The 'Brain' computer virus. Credit: Amjad and Basit Alvi)

Accessibility links

Programme Index

Witness History

Brain: The first personal computer virus

Genres

Formats

Brand

BBC World Service Online

About BBC World Service