What is a computer virus? Yeah, yeah, it’s this disease that infects your computer so that all your hardwares aren’t working properly. You can’t surf the web and your hard disk is completely messed up and erased. The virus could be so contagious that other computers become infected as well.

That is one way to look at it from a “human perspective.” If you look at it from the “computer’s perspective,” you will realize that the two are very different from each other. From a “computer’s perspective,” a computer virus originates from puny software programs that are made to spread from computer to computer. The virus blocks the computer from functioning properly.

Many times, a computer virus will spread out from email messages and IM messages. It is important that you do not open an attachment unless you know who it is from or you are expecting it to come. Viruses are easily disguised and can fool you. They are often disguised as cute graphics, e-cards, or downloads on the internet.

In order to prevent a virus from spreading or infecting your computer, try following these tips:

- Upgrade your computer with the latest software and features as much as possible. This could enhance the security on your computer by increasing your computer’s ability to ward off viruses.

- Get an anti-virus software. Anti-virus software keeps your computer in general “health.” Even if you have an anti-virus software, you should still install a firewall to lower the probability of a virus infection.

- Always back up your files. If a virus does hit your computer, back up your files onto another handy computer so that you won’t lose everything.

- Saving all your files on a USB drive is also a good idea. This way, you will be able to open your files through another computer if your own computer has been struck with a virus.

Remember, once you have been infected with a computer virus, you could lose all the information on that computer. Keep up with the latest updates on computer viruses and remember to do a virus-check regularly, you’ll be glad!