How Do Computer Viruses Spread?
Computer viruses usually spread in one of three ways: from removable media; from downloads off the Internet; and from e-mail attachments. Although the Internet gets a bad rap as a source of viruses, you’re no more likely to contract a virus from the Web than you are from packaged software. google_ad_client = ‘pub-2905054723170537’; // substitute your client_id (pub-number) google_ad_channel = ‘3393335763’; google_ad_output = ‘js’; google_max_num_ads = ‘3’; google_ad_type = ‘text’; google_feedback = ‘on’; google_targeting = “content”; Still, scan everything you download, and update your antivirus software regularly. E-mail is not the virus breeding ground it’s made out to be, either. In fact, it’s nearly impossible for a virus to be transmitted by plain-text e-mail. Most viruses can only spread via attachments — either rich-text e-mail or attached applications. Using antivirus software, scan attachments from people you know, and never open attachments from people you don’t. If you’re a