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In it's simpelest terms a virus is a disruptive computer code period!

A computer virus almost always repeats itself and spreads by attaching itself to other files. Viruses can be made to host a number of harmful things on any computer from disrupting files to crashing networks. It can even be laying dormant, without you knowing it's there and then attact when least expect it, like right in the middle of downloading a large file or typing a long report.

It can even be made to open at a certain date, sitting like a timebomb until it's time arrives. As you can see it can be annnoying at the very least.

I do not want go into all the different types of viruses here because there are so many and more are being made everyday in some dank basement by the Dark Lord.

However, since so many viruses came from unknowingly opening e-mails I would like to mention some basics here:

Never open e-mail attachments unless you know for sure who it's from and that it's safe.

Some mail programs will even ask if you trust the attachment and if your sure this you want to do. Your computer software can also scan attachments for viruses.

The danger is that when the attachment is opened the virus can attach itself to your hard drive and damage files. Not only that, it can search your saved e-mail addresses and send itself out to your friends, bussiness partners and whoever is on the list, masking the message to look like a legitimate one from you. It will probally have an attachment too, and when opened will infect other computers.

This may sound sarry to some but the fact is in this world anyone who owns a computer will have to look over there shoulder for hidden attacks when working with online or off.

That said, There are some things should do to prevent viruses from attacking your computer:

* Download the latest virus defination lists ( files that tell your computer what to scan for) that's used for your anti-virus program.
* Check to see if your internet service provider has tools to stop viruses before they can reach your mailbox.
* Always back-up your computer on disks in case you loose some or all your data.
* You can scan software for viruses before installing it.
* Set your security settings at the higest level.
* Check your web browser and e-mail settings.

Doing these simple things at least every week will help keep your computer up to date on virus protection and running smoothly.