Protection from computer viruses

Viruses are programs intended to damage or destroy data in a computer system. They are called viruses because they are rapidly transmitted to other users, usually without their knowledge. Viruses are often located in a network’s software or in a computer’s RAM, and are
triggered by certain events such as a time or date, or the user executing a program. RAM
viruses are particularly destructive because every program that is executed will pass on
the virus. The most widespread solution to viruses is preventative software. Preventative software checks for viruses before software is executed and is usually able to destroy the virus once detected. Virus detection software needs to be updated frequently as new viruses are created and identified. In order to prevent the spread of viruses, good practice dictates that only the System Administrator can load files onto the network. Care must be taken not to expose customer sites to risk of viruses.