What is a virus and what are the protective steps you can take to prevent your personal computer from being infected with a virus?

A virus is a type of malicious software that can replicate itself and spread to other computers. It can cause harm to your computer by corrupting files, stealing personal information, or causing system crashes.

To protect your personal computer from being infected with a virus, you can take the following steps:

1. Install antivirus software: Make sure to install reputable antivirus software on your computer and keep it updated regularly. This software can help detect and remove viruses from your system.

2. Keep your operating system and software up to date: Regularly update your operating system and software to patch any security vulnerabilities that could be exploited by viruses.

3. Be cautious of email attachments and links: Avoid opening email attachments or clicking on links from unknown or suspicious sources, as they could contain viruses.

4. Use strong passwords: Use strong, unique passwords for your accounts to prevent unauthorized access to your computer and personal information.

5. Backup your data: Regularly backup your important files and data to an external hard drive or cloud storage to protect them in case of a virus infection.

6. Be cautious of downloads: Only download software and files from reputable sources to reduce the risk of downloading a virus onto your computer.

By following these protective steps, you can help prevent your personal computer from being infected with a virus and keep your data safe.