One of the greatest fears that genealogist have about the Internet is the danger of computer viruses.
Computer viruses are real and damaging.
Anti-virus software is a good idea. Backing up your data should be a regular event for you because of more than the chance of a computer virus, since hard disk failures, computer thief and other disasters are also real. Below are web sites with information about computer viruses from experts. There are hoax viruses from those who fall short in the ability to create a real virus, but enjoy stirring up people.