Transmission Computer viruses are easily transmitted, as any means of transmitting computer code from one computer to another can pass on infection. Plain text e-mail messages are generally safe because they cannot transmit virus code. Floppy disks are a common vector for computer viruses. Any means of transmitting computer code from one computer to another can transmit infection. Software downloaded from bulletin boards or the Internet could contain viruses, although systems operators try not to let viruses infect their systems.
Computer networks can help viruses spread rapidly to all computers on the network.
Because they are computer programs, they do exhibit very deliberate behaviour. Detailed descriptions of known viruses are available in books, with antivirus programs, or on the Internet. The Internet is the best place to find out about viruses, because information on the latest viruses is available almost immediately they are documented in online virus bulletins or encyclopedias. The level of complexity in computer software these days is enormous, bugs occur frequently and bug-free software would be unaffordable for most people. The best protection against computer virus infection is complete celibacy.