What are viruses and how do I protect my computer against them?

Viruses are computer programs that infect a computer and then multiply by infecting other computers connected to the original target. Viruses can be passed through a computer network, the Internet or email. Some viruses damage the infected computer by erasing files or whole hard drives. Others may provide even more sinister risks, extracting the victim's personal information for criminal use or identity theft.

Most viruses can be identified, blocked and eradicated by a good anti-virus program. All of the Internet security software programs we have reviewed offer anti-virus protection that can help prevent dangerous computer viruses from infecting your PC.

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Recently answered questions about Internet Security Software Reviews:

Are Webroot and Trend Micro the same? Is it harmful to have them on at the sa...
The following is an actual user-submitted question: Q: Are Webroot and Trend Micro the same? Is it harmful to have them on at the same time? Or is it a waste of money, and am I doing double security? A: This is a good question. It reminds me of a scene from a Billy Wilder movie called [...]

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