A computer virus is a software program that attaches itself to another program
in computer memory or on disk and spreads from one program to another. Viruses
can damage data files, cause computers to crash, or display offending or
bothersome messages.
There are several thousand viruses in existence today, with more being created all the
time. Virus-scanning software can check the system and data areas of disks and
CD-ROMs for virus infections, often eliminating the virus and fully repairing
infected programs or system areas.
There are some precautions you can take to avoid being infected by a virus:
- Keep your anti-virus software current
- Scan all incoming disks and files for viruses, including files downloaded from the Internet
- Never boot your PC with a floppy diskette in the disk drive
- Use software only from reputable sources
Check the Alerts section
for information on viruses (or hoaxes) that may be in the news.
