Changes

A '''computer virus''' is a piece of unauthorized software added to a computer which automatically spreads itself to other computers. Some viruses do malicious things, such as erasing files or copying sensitive information (like passwords and credit card numbers).  

A '''computer virus''' is a piece of malicious [[computer]] [[software]] ([[malware]]) which attempts to copy itself into existing computer programs and files, and/or replicate itself outright. Computer viruses generally attempt to destroy software and operating systems, but usually not before spreading themselves to other devices.

==Process of transmission==

==Process of transmission==

==Anti-virus tactics==

==Anti-virus tactics==

Configuring email software so that it never runs attached programs or embedded scripts is an easy way to stop email-transmitted viruses. This should be the default setting, especially for corporate systems.  

Configuring email software so that it never runs attached programs or embedded scripts is an easy way to stop email-transmitted viruses. This should be the default setting, especially for corporate systems.  

==Terminology==

==Terminology==

Discussion of the virus problem is sometimes hampered by the terminology used by purists, who distinguish between such varieties as "[[Computer worm|worm]]", "[[Trojan Horse]]", etc. but a common term for unwanted software that infects computers is "virus". A more technically correct term is "[[malware]]."

Discussion of the virus problem is sometimes hampered by the terminology used by purists, who distinguish between such varieties as "[[Computer worm|worm]]", "[[Trojan Horse]]", etc. but a common term for unwanted software that infects computers is "virus". A more technically correct term is "[[malware]]."