VirusIn computers, a virus is a program or programming code that replicates by being copied or initiating its copying to another program, computer boot sector or document
Viruses can be transmitted as attachments to an e-mail note or in a downloaded file, or be present on a diskette or CD
The immediate source of the e-mail note, downloaded file, or diskette you've received is usually unaware that it contains a virus
Some viruses wreak their effect as soon as their code is executed; other viruses lie dormant until circumstances cause their code to be executed by the computer
Some viruses are benign or playful in intent and effect ("Happy Birthday, Ludwig
") and some can be quite harmful, erasing data or causing your hard disk to require reformatting
A virus that replicates itself