What is an e-mail virus?
An e-mail virus is a small program usually sent as an attachment to an e-mail message. It is created specifically to invade computers and wreak havoc on them. If activated, the virus will carry out an unwanted procedure on your computer. One common e-mail virus is a self-propagating “worm” that, when you open the e-mail attachment, automatically sends itself to random addresses in an e-mail address book. Some worms are harmless. Some can destroy files on the computer’s hard drive.
Related Questions
- I got a really important-sounding warning (virus or otherwise) in my e-mail today! Can I forward it to the list to make sure everybody knows about it?
- I tried to send an e-mail to someone with an attachment that I *know* is not infected with a virus, yet the mail system quarantined it! What gives?
- What is a Virus/E-Mail Hoax?
