This document provides an overview of computer viruses including their history, types, symptoms, and prevention methods. It discusses how the first computer virus was created in 1981 and that now there are millions of viruses. There are eight main types of viruses that can damage systems like boot sector viruses or hijack browsers. Common symptoms of a virus include slow performance, freezing, and unauthorized program activity. The best prevention methods are installing antivirus software, keeping systems updated, avoiding suspicious attachments/websites, and not using pirated software.