virus
n. microorganism which functions as an infectious agent; computer program which is intended to be spread surreptitiously between computers and usually causes damage (Computers) | ||||
Search Dictionary:
Virus definition was found in categories: Computer & Internet(11) Language, Idioms & Slang(5) Medicine(9) Arts & Humanities(2) Science & Technology(8) Society & Culture(1) Business & Finance(2) Entertainment & Music(1) Encyclopedia(1)
Virus Definition from Computer & Internet Dictionaries & Glossaries
| FOLDOC |
virus
<security> (By analogy with biological viruses, via SF) A program or piece of code written by a cracker that "infects" one or more other programs by embedding a copy of itself in them, so that they become Trojan horses. When these programs are executed, the embedded virus is executed too, thus propagating the "infection". This normally happens invisibly to the user.
A virus has an "engine" - code that enables it to propagate and optionally a "payload" - what it does apart from propagating. It needs a "host" - the particular hardware and software environment on which it can run and a "trigger" - the event that starts it running.
Unlike a worm, a virus cannot infect other computers without assistance. It is propagated by vectors such as humans trading programs with their friends (see SEX). The virus may do nothing but propagate itself and then allow the program to run normally. Usually, however, after propagating silently for a while, it starts doing things like writing "cute" messages on the terminal or playing strange tricks with the display (some viruses include display hacks). Viruses written by particularly antisocial crackers may do irreversible damage, like deleting files.
By the 1990s, viruses had become a serious problem, especially among IBM PC and Macintosh users (the lack of security on these machines enables viruses to spread easily, even infecting the operating system). The production of special antivirus software has become an industry, and a number of exaggerated media reports have caused outbreaks of near hysteria among users. Many lusers tend to blame *everything* that doesn't work as they had expected on virus attacks. Accordingly, this sense of "virus" has passed into popular usage where it is often incorrectly used for a worm or Trojan horse.
See boot virus, phage. Compare back door. See also Unix conspiracy.
[Jargon File]
(2003-06-20)
<security> (By analogy with biological viruses, via SF) A program or piece of code written by a cracker that "infects" one or more other programs by embedding a copy of itself in them, so that they become Trojan horses. When these programs are executed, the embedded virus is executed too, thus propagating the "infection". This normally happens invisibly to the user.
A virus has an "engine" - code that enables it to propagate and optionally a "payload" - what it does apart from propagating. It needs a "host" - the particular hardware and software environment on which it can run and a "trigger" - the event that starts it running.
Unlike a worm, a virus cannot infect other computers without assistance. It is propagated by vectors such as humans trading programs with their friends (see SEX). The virus may do nothing but propagate itself and then allow the program to run normally. Usually, however, after propagating silently for a while, it starts doing things like writing "cute" messages on the terminal or playing strange tricks with the display (some viruses include display hacks). Viruses written by particularly antisocial crackers may do irreversible damage, like deleting files.
By the 1990s, viruses had become a serious problem, especially among IBM PC and Macintosh users (the lack of security on these machines enables viruses to spread easily, even infecting the operating system). The production of special antivirus software has become an industry, and a number of exaggerated media reports have caused outbreaks of near hysteria among users. Many lusers tend to blame *everything* that doesn't work as they had expected on virus attacks. Accordingly, this sense of "virus" has passed into popular usage where it is often incorrectly used for a worm or Trojan horse.
See boot virus, phage. Compare back door. See also Unix conspiracy.
[Jargon File]
(2003-06-20)
| Jargon File |
virus
n. [from the obvious analogy with biological viruses, via SF] A cracker program that searches out other programs and `infects' them by embedding a copy of itself in them, so that they become Trojan horses. When these programs are executed, the embedded virus is executed too, thus propagating the `infection'. This normally happens invisibly to the user. Unlike a worm, a virus cannot infect other computers without assistance. It is propagated by vectors such as humans trading programs with their friends (see SEX). The virus may do nothing but propagate itself and then allow the program to run normally. Usually, however, after propagating silently for a while, it starts doing things like writing cute messages on the terminal or playing strange tricks with the display (some viruses include nice display hacks). Many nasty viruses, written by particularly perversely minded crackers, do irreversible damage, like nuking all the user's files.
n. [from the obvious analogy with biological viruses, via SF] A cracker program that searches out other programs and `infects' them by embedding a copy of itself in them, so that they become Trojan horses. When these programs are executed, the embedded virus is executed too, thus propagating the `infection'. This normally happens invisibly to the user. Unlike a worm, a virus cannot infect other computers without assistance. It is propagated by vectors such as humans trading programs with their friends (see SEX). The virus may do nothing but propagate itself and then allow the program to run normally. Usually, however, after propagating silently for a while, it starts doing things like writing cute messages on the terminal or playing strange tricks with the display (some viruses include nice display hacks). Many nasty viruses, written by particularly perversely minded crackers, do irreversible damage, like nuking all the user's files.
In the 1990s, viruses have become a serious problem, especially among Wintel and Macintosh users; the lack of security on these machines enables viruses to spread easily, even infecting the operating system (Unix machines, by contrast, are immune to such attacks). The production of special anti-virus software has become an industry, and a number of exaggerated media reports have caused outbreaks of near hysteria among users; many lusers tend to blame everything that doesn't work as they had expected on virus attacks. Accordingly, this sense of `virus' has passed not only into techspeak but into also popular usage (where it is often incorrectly used to denote a worm or even a Trojan horse). See phage; compare back door; see also Unix conspiracy.
| 9300+ Computer Acronyms |
VIRUS
Vital Information Resources Under Siege
Vital Information Resources Under Siege
| Glossary of the European Information Society |
Virus
Small informatics programme able to disrupt the functioning of other programmes.
Small informatics programme able to disrupt the functioning of other programmes.
| A Glossary of Internet & PC Terminology |
Virus
This is a program which can damage the files on your PC - often created intentionally to do so.
This is a program which can damage the files on your PC - often created intentionally to do so.
| Jensen's Technology Glossary |
Virus
a hardware/software infection designed intentionally to corrupt a computer, computer files, and/or networks. For virus updates and news, two good web sites are Network Associates at http://www.nai.com/vinfo/ and Mcafee at http://www.mcafee.com/ . (Also see ActiveX.)
a hardware/software infection designed intentionally to corrupt a computer, computer files, and/or networks. For virus updates and news, two good web sites are Network Associates at http://www.nai.com/vinfo/ and Mcafee at http://www.mcafee.com/ . (Also see ActiveX.)
| Internet Glossary |
Virus
A virus is a malicious piece of software programmed to spread itself over the Internet. Viruses can range from fairly harmless to ones that can cause data loss. You should always have a current virus protection program on your computer. How to avoid a virus <http://www.vicnet.net.au/news/virus.htm>. See also "worm" and "trojan horse". Be careful not to spread one of the many virus hoaxes! This misinformation damages the reputation of both the Internet and companies involved. Check the Latest Hoax News <http://www.stiller.com/hoaxes.htm>.
WEB
A virus is a malicious piece of software programmed to spread itself over the Internet. Viruses can range from fairly harmless to ones that can cause data loss. You should always have a current virus protection program on your computer. How to avoid a virus <http://www.vicnet.net.au/news/virus.htm>. See also "worm" and "trojan horse". Be careful not to spread one of the many virus hoaxes! This misinformation damages the reputation of both the Internet and companies involved. Check the Latest Hoax News <http://www.stiller.com/hoaxes.htm>.
WEB
| Panda Software Glossary |
Virus
Viruses are programs that can enter computers or IT systems in a number of ways, causing effects that range from simply annoying to highly-destructive and irreparable.
Viruses are programs that can enter computers or IT systems in a number of ways, causing effects that range from simply annoying to highly-destructive and irreparable.
| Internetworking Terms |
virus
A program which replicates itself on computer systems by incorporating itself into other programs which are shared among computer systems. See also: Trojan Horse, worm.
A program which replicates itself on computer systems by incorporating itself into other programs which are shared among computer systems. See also: Trojan Horse, worm.
| INTERNET TERMS&ACRONYMSV1.0 |
VIRUS
A destructive program that has the ability to reproduce itself and infect other programs or disks.The best defense is to run anti-virus software and use it on all new software and disks introduced to your system.
A destructive program that has the ability to reproduce itself and infect other programs or disks.The best defense is to run anti-virus software and use it on all new software and disks introduced to your system.
| Red Alert 2 |
Virus
Owner: Yuri (Only aviable in Yuri's Revenge)
She can shoot darts filled with virus, causing the victim to die and explode in a toxic cloud of gas, which will also kill nearby infantry unints and even damage buildings.
Owner: Yuri (Only aviable in Yuri's Revenge)
She can shoot darts filled with virus, causing the victim to die and explode in a toxic cloud of gas, which will also kill nearby infantry unints and even damage buildings.
Virus Definition from Language, Idioms & Slang Dictionaries & Glossaries
| Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913) |
Virus
(v. i.)
The special contagion, inappreciable to the senses and acting in exceedingly minute quantities, by which a disease is introduced into the organism and maintained there.
(v. i.)
Fig.: Any morbid corrupting quality in intellectual or moral conditions; something that poisons the mind or the soul; as, the virus of obscene books.
(v. i.)
Contagious or poisonous matter, as of specific ulcers, the bite of snakes, etc.; -- applied to organic poisons.
(v. i.)
The special contagion, inappreciable to the senses and acting in exceedingly minute quantities, by which a disease is introduced into the organism and maintained there.
(v. i.)
Fig.: Any morbid corrupting quality in intellectual or moral conditions; something that poisons the mind or the soul; as, the virus of obscene books.
(v. i.)
Contagious or poisonous matter, as of specific ulcers, the bite of snakes, etc.; -- applied to organic poisons.
| WordNet 2.0 |
virus
Noun
1. (virology) ultramicroscopic infectious agent that replicates itself only within cells of living hosts; many are pathogenic; a piece of nucleic acid (DNA or RNA) wrapped in a thin coat of protein
(hypernym) microorganism
(hyponym) arbovirus, arborvirus
(classification) virology
(class) virion
2. a harmful or corrupting agency; "bigotry is a virus that must not be allowed to spread"; "the virus of jealousy is latent in everyone"
(hypernym) representation, delegacy, agency
3. a software program capable of reproducing itself and usually capable of causing great harm to files or other programs on the same computer; "a true virus cannot spread to another computer without human assistance"
(synonym) computer virus
(hypernym) malevolent program
Noun
1. (virology) ultramicroscopic infectious agent that replicates itself only within cells of living hosts; many are pathogenic; a piece of nucleic acid (DNA or RNA) wrapped in a thin coat of protein
(hypernym) microorganism
(hyponym) arbovirus, arborvirus
(classification) virology
(class) virion
2. a harmful or corrupting agency; "bigotry is a virus that must not be allowed to spread"; "the virus of jealousy is latent in everyone"
(hypernym) representation, delegacy, agency
3. a software program capable of reproducing itself and usually capable of causing great harm to files or other programs on the same computer; "a true virus cannot spread to another computer without human assistance"
(synonym) computer virus
(hypernym) malevolent program
| Australian Slang |
The virus
the HIV virus, Himan Immunodeficiency Virus
the HIV virus, Himan Immunodeficiency Virus
| hEnglish - advanced version |
virus
virus
\vi"rus\ (?), n. [l., a slimy liquid, a poisonous liquid, poison, stench; akin to gr. &?; poison, skr. visha. cf. wizen, v. i.]
1. (med.) (a) contagious or poisonous matter, as of specific ulcers, the bite of snakes, etc.; -- applied to organic poisons. (b) the special contagion, inappreciable to the senses and acting in exceedingly minute quantities, by which a disease is introduced into the organism and maintained there.
note: the specific virus of diseases is now regarded as a microscopic living vegetable organism which multiplies within the body, and, either by its own action or by the associated development of a chemical poison, causes the phenomena of the special disease.
2. fig.: any morbid corrupting quality in intellectual or moral conditions; something that poisons the mind or the soul; as, the virus of obscene books.
virus
n : ultramicroscopic infectious agent that replicates itself only within cells of living hosts; many are pathogenic
similar words(11)
general public virus
variola minor virus
wound tumor virus
varicella zoster virus
respiratory syncytial virus
tobacco mosaic virus
tumor virus
virus infection
variola virus
variola major virus
boot virus
virus
\vi"rus\ (?), n. [l., a slimy liquid, a poisonous liquid, poison, stench; akin to gr. &?; poison, skr. visha. cf. wizen, v. i.]
1. (med.) (a) contagious or poisonous matter, as of specific ulcers, the bite of snakes, etc.; -- applied to organic poisons. (b) the special contagion, inappreciable to the senses and acting in exceedingly minute quantities, by which a disease is introduced into the organism and maintained there.
note: the specific virus of diseases is now regarded as a microscopic living vegetable organism which multiplies within the body, and, either by its own action or by the associated development of a chemical poison, causes the phenomena of the special disease.
2. fig.: any morbid corrupting quality in intellectual or moral conditions; something that poisons the mind or the soul; as, the virus of obscene books.
virus
n : ultramicroscopic infectious agent that replicates itself only within cells of living hosts; many are pathogenic
similar words(11)
general public virus
variola minor virus
wound tumor virus
varicella zoster virus
respiratory syncytial virus
tobacco mosaic virus
tumor virus
virus infection
variola virus
variola major virus
boot virus
| Concise English-Irish Dictionary v. 1.1 |
virus
víreas
víreas
Virus Definition from Medicine Dictionaries & Glossaries
| NCI Dictionary of Cancer Terms |
virus
[VYE-rus]
A microorganism that can infect cells and cause disease.
[VYE-rus]
A microorganism that can infect cells and cause disease.
| Dictionary of Medicine (Shahram) |
Virus
A virus is a microbe which cannot grow or reproduce apart from a living cell. It is smaller in size than a bacterium. Viruses cause most of the common human infections, but are also responsible for causing many rare illnesses. Examples of viral illnesses include the common cold and acquired immunodeficiency disease syndrome (AIDS).
A virus is a microbe which cannot grow or reproduce apart from a living cell. It is smaller in size than a bacterium. Viruses cause most of the common human infections, but are also responsible for causing many rare illnesses. Examples of viral illnesses include the common cold and acquired immunodeficiency disease syndrome (AIDS).
| Aids Glossary |
virus
a submicroscopic organism that can replicate only when it is inside another cell.
a submicroscopic organism that can replicate only when it is inside another cell.
| Hepatitis Central (TM) Liver Disease Medical Glossary |
Virus
A vast group of minute structures, composed of a sheath of protein encasing a core of nucleic acids which are the building blocks of RNA and DNA. They are capable of infecting almost all members of the animal and plant kingdoms, including bacteria. Viruses are characterised by a total dependence on living host cells for reproduction and lack independent metabolism. Most viruses only infect one species. HCV only infects humans. 2. Living virus that can multiply in the body and cause disease 3. Sub-microscopic life form that uses host cells - bacteria, plant cells, or even human body cells to reproduce itself. A virus normally consists of a small amount of genetic material (which it uses to reproduce itself) and a protective coat. Viruses are very small, most human viruses are less than 150 nanometers in diameter
A vast group of minute structures, composed of a sheath of protein encasing a core of nucleic acids which are the building blocks of RNA and DNA. They are capable of infecting almost all members of the animal and plant kingdoms, including bacteria. Viruses are characterised by a total dependence on living host cells for reproduction and lack independent metabolism. Most viruses only infect one species. HCV only infects humans. 2. Living virus that can multiply in the body and cause disease 3. Sub-microscopic life form that uses host cells - bacteria, plant cells, or even human body cells to reproduce itself. A virus normally consists of a small amount of genetic material (which it uses to reproduce itself) and a protective coat. Viruses are very small, most human viruses are less than 150 nanometers in diameter
| Glossary of HIV/AIDS-Related Terms |
VIRUS
Organism composed mainly of nucleic acid within a protein coat, ranging in size from 100 to 2,000 angstroms (unit of length; 1 angstrom is equal to 10-10 meters). When viruses enter a living plant, animal, or bacterial cell, they make use of the host cell's chemical energy and protein -- and nucleic acid -- synthesizing ability to replicate themselves. Nucleic acids<!-- (see) --> in viruses are single stranded or double stranded, and may be DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid; see) or RNA (ribonucleic acid; see). After the infected host cell makes viral components and virus particles are released, the host cell is often dissolved. Some viruses do not kill cells but transform them into a cancerous state; some cause illness and then seem to disappear, while remaining latent and later causing another, sometimes much more severe, form of disease. In humans, viruses cause -- among others -- measles, mumps, yellow fever, poliomyelitis, influenza, and the common cold. Some viral infections can be treated with drugs.
Organism composed mainly of nucleic acid within a protein coat, ranging in size from 100 to 2,000 angstroms (unit of length; 1 angstrom is equal to 10-10 meters). When viruses enter a living plant, animal, or bacterial cell, they make use of the host cell's chemical energy and protein -- and nucleic acid -- synthesizing ability to replicate themselves. Nucleic acids<!-- (see) --> in viruses are single stranded or double stranded, and may be DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid; see) or RNA (ribonucleic acid; see). After the infected host cell makes viral components and virus particles are released, the host cell is often dissolved. Some viruses do not kill cells but transform them into a cancerous state; some cause illness and then seem to disappear, while remaining latent and later causing another, sometimes much more severe, form of disease. In humans, viruses cause -- among others -- measles, mumps, yellow fever, poliomyelitis, influenza, and the common cold. Some viral infections can be treated with drugs.
| HIV Vaccine Glossary |
virus
a microorganism composed of a piece of genetic material -- RNA or DNA -- surrounded by a protein coat. To replicate, a virus must infect a cell and direct its cellular machinery to produce new viruses.
a microorganism composed of a piece of genetic material -- RNA or DNA -- surrounded by a protein coat. To replicate, a virus must infect a cell and direct its cellular machinery to produce new viruses.
| Glossary of HIV/AIDS Terms |
Virus
A strand of DNA surrounded by a protein shell. Viruses are the smallest known infectious organisms and are unable to live or multiply outside of a host cell. Viruses can cause infectious disease (e.g., small pox, polio, influenza, herpes). Infection with some viruses, such as CMV, may not produce symptoms in people with an intact immune system, but may prove dangerous or life-threatening for people with HIV/AIDS.
A strand of DNA surrounded by a protein shell. Viruses are the smallest known infectious organisms and are unable to live or multiply outside of a host cell. Viruses can cause infectious disease (e.g., small pox, polio, influenza, herpes). Infection with some viruses, such as CMV, may not produce symptoms in people with an intact immune system, but may prove dangerous or life-threatening for people with HIV/AIDS.
| The Glossary of the American Council on Science and Health |
virus
Any of a class of noncellular parasites that are smaller than bacteria, can multiply only within living cells, and consist of a strand of either DNA or RNA and at least one protein cover.
Any of a class of noncellular parasites that are smaller than bacteria, can multiply only within living cells, and consist of a strand of either DNA or RNA and at least one protein cover.
| Terms and Definitions |
Virus
A noncellular biological entity that can reproduce only within a host cell. Viruses consist of nucleic acid covered by protein; some animal viruses are also surrounded by membrane. Inside the infected cell, the virus uses the synthetic capability of the host to produce progeny virus.
A noncellular biological entity that can reproduce only within a host cell. Viruses consist of nucleic acid covered by protein; some animal viruses are also surrounded by membrane. Inside the infected cell, the virus uses the synthetic capability of the host to produce progeny virus.
Virus Definition from Arts & Humanities Dictionaries & Glossaries
| JM Latin-English Dictionary |
virus
N
venom (sg.)| poisonous secretion of snakes/creatures/plants; acrid element
N
venom (sg.)| poisonous secretion of snakes/creatures/plants; acrid element
| LATIN- ENGLISH (AZAD) |
virus
virus, slime, poison.
virus, slime, poison.
Virus Definition from Science & Technology Dictionaries & Glossaries
| BioProcess International™ Glossary |
virus
a microorganism that grows and reproduces in living cells of a host (bacteria, plant, or animal); the simplest form of life, more than 200 viruses are known to produce human disease.
a microorganism that grows and reproduces in living cells of a host (bacteria, plant, or animal); the simplest form of life, more than 200 viruses are known to produce human disease.
| Bioglossary |
Virus
Description: Microorganism without a cell wall, able to reproduce only by inserting itself into a host cell and hijacking the reproduction mechanism for its own ends. (The virus is then said to infest the cell.).
Source: Specialized encyclopedia and dictionaries
Description: An infectious agent composed of a single type of nucleic acid, DNA or RNA, enclosed in a coat of protein. Viruses can multiply only within living cells.
Source: Specialized encyclopedia and dictionaries
Description: Microorganism without a cell wall, able to reproduce only by inserting itself into a host cell and hijacking the reproduction mechanism for its own ends. (The virus is then said to infest the cell.).
Source: Specialized encyclopedia and dictionaries
Description: An infectious agent composed of a single type of nucleic acid, DNA or RNA, enclosed in a coat of protein. Viruses can multiply only within living cells.
Source: Specialized encyclopedia and dictionaries
| Telecommunication Standard Terms |
virus
An unwanted program which places itself into other programs which are shared among computer systems, and replicates itself. Note: A virus is usually manifested by a destructive or disruptive effect on the executable program that it affects.
An unwanted program which places itself into other programs which are shared among computer systems, and replicates itself. Note: A virus is usually manifested by a destructive or disruptive effect on the executable program that it affects.
| Common Terms in Evolutionary Biology and Genetics |
Virus
A disease causing agent consisting of a nucleic acid molecule and protein coat. Viruses are incapable of autonomous replication and have to use a host cell's translational system.
A disease causing agent consisting of a nucleic acid molecule and protein coat. Viruses are incapable of autonomous replication and have to use a host cell's translational system.
| Technical English by wpv |
Virus
A program that replicates itself from one file or disk to another without your consent. They are spread through floppy disks, networks, and on-line services and can go undetected (unless you have an antiviral utility) until something goes wrong. Some viruses deliberately destroy data, and even those designed to be benign can cause crashes, slowdowns, and file corruption.
A program that replicates itself from one file or disk to another without your consent. They are spread through floppy disks, networks, and on-line services and can go undetected (unless you have an antiviral utility) until something goes wrong. Some viruses deliberately destroy data, and even those designed to be benign can cause crashes, slowdowns, and file corruption.
| Physical Geography Terms and Meanings |
Virus
Is a fragment of DNA or RNA that depends on the infection of host cells for their reproduction. They are not cells. Viruses are thought to parts of the genetic code found in either eukaryote or prokaryote cells that have the ability to exist on their own. At times viruses are metabolically inert and technically non-living.
Is a fragment of DNA or RNA that depends on the infection of host cells for their reproduction. They are not cells. Viruses are thought to parts of the genetic code found in either eukaryote or prokaryote cells that have the ability to exist on their own. At times viruses are metabolically inert and technically non-living.
| Biological Control |
Virus
Any of various submicroscopic pathogens which can only replicate inside a living cell.
Any of various submicroscopic pathogens which can only replicate inside a living cell.
| RF Electronics |
Virus
Destructive code that is embedded in a computer program. The virus is usually self-replicating and will often copy itself onto other programs.
Destructive code that is embedded in a computer program. The virus is usually self-replicating and will often copy itself onto other programs.
Virus Definition from Society & Culture Dictionaries & Glossaries
| Environmental Engineering (English ver.) |
virus
The smallest form of microorganisms capable of causing disease. Especially, a virus of fecal origin that is infectious to humans by waterborne transmission.
The smallest form of microorganisms capable of causing disease. Especially, a virus of fecal origin that is infectious to humans by waterborne transmission.
Virus Definition from Business & Finance Dictionaries & Glossaries
| Raynet Business & Marketing Glossary |
Virus
a computer program which is designed to destroy information on other peoples computers.
a computer program which is designed to destroy information on other peoples computers.
| Internet PR glossary |
virus
Hostile computer program that, once introduced onto a computer system, can insert itself in various files and programs when an infected program is run. Compare with worm.
Hostile computer program that, once introduced onto a computer system, can insert itself in various files and programs when an infected program is run. Compare with worm.
Virus Definition from Entertainment & Music Dictionaries & Glossaries
| English to Federation-Standard Golic Vulcan |
Virus
rihak
rihak
Virus Definition from Encyclopedia Dictionaries & Glossaries
| Wikipedia English - The Free Encyclopedia |
Virus
A virus (from the Latin noun virus, meaning toxin or poison) is a sub-microscopic particle (ranging in size from about 15–600 nm) that can infect the cells of a biological organism. Viruses can replicate themselves only by infecting a host cell. They therefore cannot reproduce on their own. At the most basic level, viruses consist of genetic material contained within a protective protein coat called a capsid. They infect a wide variety of organisms: both eukaryotes (animals, plants, protists, and fungi) and prokaryotes (bacteria and archaea). A virus that infects bacteria is known as a bacteriophage, often shortened to phage. The study of viruses is known as virology and people who study viruses are known as virologists. Viruses cause several serious human diseases, such as AIDS, influenza and rabies. Therapy is difficult for viral diseases as antibiotics have no effect on viruses and antiviral drugs are expensive. The best way to prevent viral diseases is with a vaccine, which produces immunity.
| See more at Wikipedia.org... |