No matter what new technology is developed, the history of humans demonstrates that there will be those who will use it for the improvement of humankind and those who will use it to the detriment of humankind. Such an example is available in the present day with the increasing presence of computer viruses, intentionally created computer “health-threats” capable of infiltrating computers and computer systems causing program and information disaster and economic devastation. The recent arrest of the designer and transmitter of the “Melissa” virus, who was charged with interfering with public communication among various charges, shows the increased significance of this electronic health threat. Further, companies like IBM, whose IBM and IBM-compatible clones are the biggest victims of viruses since they nearly all operate on Microsoft Windows, have spent hundreds of millions of dollars and years of research to find ways of combating computer viruses. Recently, IBM unveiled its Digital Immune System, a sophisticated virus tracking, detection and elimination system mirrored on the processes by which the human body’s immune system fights viruses, “The idea is to create digital white blood cells—much as human beings develop antibodies to biological agents—that will be permanently available on lone. In theory, automatic virus-scouting programs will transmit suspect codes directly to the immune center, where they will be analyzed and debugged and the cure beamed back before mere mortals even know there’s a problem” (Buderi 34). This analysis will explore computer viruses, how they work and the different types. It will also explore the various methods available to detect and prevent viruses from doing irreversible damage to computers and computer system, as well as highlight some legislative efforts to help protect government agencies, educational institutions, corporations and consumers from the their significant thr...