1. COMPUTER VIRUS: Potentially damaging computer program designed to infect other software or files by attaching itself to the software or files with which it comes in contact.

2. What is a virus? A virus is illegal computer code that can do such things as alter programs or destroy data. Also, the virus can copy itself onto programs, thereby spreading its damaging effects.

3. How do viruses spread? A piece of software that has a virus attached to it is called a host program. Usually the virus is spread when the host program is shared. If the host program is copied, the virus also is copied. It infects software with which it comes into contact.

5. Types of Electronic Infections: Viruses E-mail Viruses Worms Trojan Horses

6. Why are viruses not detected immediately? People who copy and keep the host software are unaware that the virus exists, because the virus is designed to hide from computer users for weeks or even months.

7. When does a virus attack? A virus usually attacks at the specific times or dates determined by the person who wrote the virus code. When the predetermined time or date registers on the internal clock of the computer, the virus attacks. Sometimes the virus code will leave a message letting you know that the virus has done its damage.

8. People Create Viruses: Same psychology that drives vandals and arsonists. Thrill of watching things blow up. Bragging rights or the thrill of doing it.

9. Preventing Virus Problems Back up essential files Delete e-mail file attachments Prepare an emergency system boot disk Block Word macro viruses

10. Helpful Hints to Avoid Viruses Obtain software only from trusted sources. Use a safe Web browser and e-mail client. Install anti-virus software, and keep it update. Scan all newly-obtained disks, programs, and files. Install a firewall program, especially if on cable or DSL.

11. Some popular anti-virus programs: McAfee Norton Utilities Inoculan F-Secure Internet Guard Dog PC-cillin