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Brain: The first personal computer virus

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Witness History: Brain: The first personal computer virus

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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)

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