A virus is a malicious piece of software that runs on your computer without your knowledge and can cause damage to your files.

There are many different types of viruses currently in circulation, each with their own purpose, referred to as their payload.

Viruses can be transferred from one system to another by various methods. Some of the more common methods are outlined below.

They can be hidden in an email attachment (very commonplace) and discretely installed when the email attachment is opened.

Some viruses are transferred by a portable storage device, such as a USB flash drive, from one computer to another.

Viruses can also be installed silently when visiting a malicious website or installing software which includes the virus.

Virus protection is extremely important and can save a lot of problems in the future.

For more about Viruses and Virus Protection see our guide to Anti-virus software.

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