What is a virus?
A computer virus attaches itself to a program or file so it can spread from
one computer to another, leaving infections as it travels. Much like human
viruses, computer viruses can range in severity; some viruses cause only
mildly annoying effects while others can damage your hardware, software, or
files. Almost all viruses are attached to an executable file, which means
the virus may exist on your computer but it cannot infect your computer
unless you run or open the malicious program. It is important to note that
a virus cannot be spread without a human action, (such as running an
infected program) to keep it going. People continue the spread of a
computer virus, mostly unknowingly, by sharing infecting files or sending
e-mails with viruses as attachments in the e-mail.
Web Reference
May 9, 2005
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