What is a Virus?

Viruses vary

Today 'virus' is a term well-known to every
computer user, and many people who have
never used a computer. Even television
reports and newspapers contain details of
the latest virus epidemics. In fact, virus is a 
generic term, covering many different types
of malicious program: classic viruses, Internet
and email worms, Trojans, backdoors, and others.

Are Viruses harmful?

Viruses are harmful

Whatever its form, a virus is programmed to 
spread throughout computers and networks by 
copying itself, almost always unnoticed by the
user. The virus payload, or effect, can be annoying,
harmful, or even criminal. A virus may be
programmed simply to display a humorous message
on screen, or to erase all files on the computer, or to
steal and distribute confidential data.

Isn't it all just propaganda?

Cyber-hysteria?

The first viruses appeared at the end of the 1960s,or

the beginning of the 1970s: opinions are divided.
Their effect was relatively limited, for the simple reason
that the number of computer users was much smaller
than it is today. The increased use of computer
technology has led to virus scares becoming an almost
everyday occurrence. Some scares are hoaxes. However,
real mass attacks have become commonplace, and the
consequences are serious, resulting in financial loss for
individuals and corporations alike.

The number of threats and frequency and speed of
attacks is increasing every day. Antivirus protection
is therefore a priority for anyone who uses a computer.