Dear Student or Friend,
Thank you so much for your concern and insight in emailing regarding the virus emergency. Unfortunately, my computer fried up from the virus before I could save it. But thanks for the warning...

JUST KIDDING!!!

I have some good news for you. The email you passed along to me was a HOAX!!! (My computer is also fine.) Did you know that the majority of emails/forwards you get about viruses are actually fake? Did you also know that the links in many of those same emails about viruses have viruses embedded in them? Guess what, I didn't either.

Let's take some time to examine the truth about viruses, about emails, and just how your computer can get so infected with malicious viruses.... 

First things first. Visit www.hoaxbusters.org to learn more about all of the virus hoaxes going around.

Up to date? Good. Let's move on.

Email is an amazing thing. Within seconds we can communicate with family, friends, and colleagues around the world. Breaking news becomes old news. New jokes become old jokes. And computers can become a breeding ground for viruses.

For all of its benefits, email can put computers in danger of being infected with the many viruses and worms out there these days. But, do you know what viruses are? Do you know how to best protect your computer?

 
What exactly is a virus?

Viruses are software programs that hinder normal computer operation.  But it's not that simple.  Not only are viruses programs on your computer, but viruses continually reproduce the codes and imbed themselves into programs. 
Imagine it this way: Pretend you are standing in front of the wall of teacher's mailboxes in the front office. Each mailbox represents a program. Now, one of those mailboxes/programs has a virus that has attacked it. Not only that, but the virus copies itself and goes into every single mailbox. Everything is connected by the virus. 

 
How does a PC “get” a virus?

Viruses do not magically jump into your computer. They are programs that need to be executed; like a light switch. This often happens in emails—if you open an email from someone you don’t know, you may be “turning on the switch” for the virus! Another way that viruses get into computers is by sneaking into your system, "piggybacking"onto other files or programs you download. Meanwhile, you have no idea that you have exposed your system to this virus.

 
What do viruses do?

Viruses are not always destructive; the most common viruses cause the wrong response to a computer prompt. An example: you press the “backspace” key, but the cursor moves forward. The scale can get more and more severe, often preventing some programs from functioning at all, or shutting down without work being saved.

There are also many viruses that can be destructive to your computer and your files.