Every computer user should be at least aware, if not conscious, of the now prevalent computer viruses.They are one of the major security threats today. I believe answers to the following questions will help you understand them better.

A . What is a computer virus?
Technical definition:
A computer virus is a destructive program that attaches itself on computer files, installs itself without permission and may cause havoc.

Dummies description:

• Probably an invisible venom that stealths its way into your machine through the web, new documents and so on
• Gastronomically speaking, its a gluttonous software that wants to munch and crunch on your delicious double king cheese burger (your computer's memory) and leave your computer starving
• To scientists its a software black hole that is capable of swallowing and gorging up on your cherished music videos, photo albums,movies - you name it.
• Military men would see viruses as weapons designed to take your computer hostage at the ransom of your vital information.
• Viruses are tactful thieves of computer memory

B. Do computer viruses like biological viruses come in various strains or types? Yeah!

1. Boot sector viruses: they destroy booting information on storage devices
2. File viruses: attach themselves to files and documents
3. Worms: viruses that stick and multiply in the computer memory
4. Hoax viruses: come as e-mail with an attractive subject. Could be the seductive get-rich-quick schemes,weight loss tips...
5. Trojans: appear to perform necessary functions but perform undesirable activities in the background without your knowledge.

"Hope this ferocious menace will now be clear cause its important to identify and understand the enemy before planning a fightback