explain how a computer virus spreads
Answers
Explanation:
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. 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 Microsoft Outlook user, you can also select security preferences that keep e-mail-borne viruses from exploiting the close relationship between Outlook and the Windows operating system.
For information on specific types of computer viruses, check out Understanding Computer Viruses.