A computer virus gets it's name based on the fact that it's actions are not all that different from real life biological virus. A virus is a program designed to cause harm to a computer or network of computers. The comparison to a biological virus continues in that some viruses can duplicate themselves and send themselves out to other computers much like the flu or common cold. A computer virus can come into contact with it's victim in many ways, including being downloaded purposefully, opened through an email attachment, and through a security flaw in a network.

Once infected, the computer will need some type of maintenance performed on it. This can range from deleting the file containing the virus to wiping everything off of the computer's hard drive and starting anew reinstalling everything. It is precisely because of the hassle surrounding this second option, as well as the loss of data, that many suggest having some sort of Internet security system installed on any computer, but primarily those that are connected to the Internet.

Due to the popularity of the Internet now, most viruses fall under the classification of Internet Worms. An Internet Worm will find a security flaw in a network, let itself into that network and then become destructive, usually replicating itself and endlessly searching for more networks and computers with this same exact security flaw.

It is important that attention to the virus removal process be made as soon as it is suspected that a computer has obtained a virus. Some viruses include a "time bomb" feature and will remain dormant or semi-dormant on a user's computer until a certain time or date, at which time then they will become activated. A great deal of time and money can be saved by finding and deleting these "time bomb" viruses before they become active.

Contracting a computer virus infection is one of the most dangerous things that could happen to your computer and could affect other areas of your life as well, but through common sense and obtaining the basic knowledge you can protect your computer from becoming infected with a virus.