As useful and fun as computers and the Internet can be, unfortunately there are some people out there who just seem determined to put a dampener on things.  Computer viruses are malicious programmes designed by devious, but often quite clever, computer boffins that are built for the specific purpose of damaging computer systems.

Over the last few years there have been a number of high profile cases, and in the worst instances, the computer systems of major organisations and companies can be brought to a standstill.

Viruses are spread through emails and the Internet.  For this reason it is important that if you’re planning to use either of these facilities, you should protect your computer against virsuses.  Ask your ISP what protection they provide, or for added protection you could invest in some anti-virus software such as that provided by Norton or McAfee.  Virus protection is even more important for users of broadband Internet, as your computer is connected to the net all the time, leaving it vulnerable even when you’re not using it.

That said, there’s no need for anyone to have nightmares about computer viruses.  Make sure your PC is protected and you shouldn’t have any worries – and I guess the good news is that humans can’t catch them!