Viruses are pieces of malicious software that are designed to use your computer’s resources without your knowledge. Antivirus software can only do so much if the virus is downloaded by clicking on an unknown link on the web or by opening an attachment to an email message. Your best bet is to avoid clicking on anything that you are not 100% sure is from a reliable source.
Viruses are called what they are because they infect your computer and cause it to become vulnerable to being exploited by some pretty rotten people. Some of them want to steal your information. Some of them want to use your computer to commit a crime without you knowing it.
In later posts I will be writing in more in depth terms about viruses, antivirus software, trojan horse, worms, spyware, malware and removing or removal of these bugs.