A computer virus is a self-replicating computer program written to alter the way a computer operates, without the permission or knowledge of the user. Though the term is commonly used to refer to a range of malware, a true virus must replicate itself, and must execute itself. The latter criteria is often met by a virus which replaces existing executable files with a virus-infected copy. While viruses can be intentionally destructive—destroying data, for example—some viruses are benign or merely annoying.

To learn more about viruses and how to protect your self, visit the
OSCR Computer Help Desk.

Typically, hoaxes are emails which describe a dangerous new undetectable virus, usually using bogus technical terms. Hoaxes often ask you to avoid reading or downloading emails that have a particular subject line.
For instance, University of Arizona's Email System has been hit by several EBay and DM Federal Credit Union hoaxes that will ask for personal information. Other circumstances may request a user to download a file.