The ways in which computer viruses spread generally include the following:
1. Spreading through the network: Viruses spread through the network to infect other computers. This is the most common way of spreading, such as through e-mail, chat tools, download files and other ways to spread.
2. Spread through removable storage media: The virus infects other computers through removable storage media (e.g., USB flash drives, removable hard disks, etc.). This mode of transmission requires the user to insert the infected removable storage media into other computers in order to spread.
3. Spread through software vulnerabilities: Viruses use software vulnerabilities to infect computers. This mode of transmission requires the user to use a vulnerable software or operating system in order to spread.
Transmission through physical media is not a way for computer viruses to spread. For example, viruses cannot spread through physical media such as printed paper, books, and so on. However, some physical media may be used as removable storage media, such as CD-ROMs, tapes, and so on, and these media can spread viruses by being inserted into a computer.
To prevent the spread of computer viruses, users can take several measures:
1. Install antivirus software and keep it up to date: Antivirus software can detect and remove computer viruses in a timely manner, and users should update their antivirus software on a regular basis to keep their virus databases current.
2. Don't download and install software randomly: Users should only download and install software from trusted websites, not from untrusted websites or email attachments.
3. Don't open email attachments: Users should double-check the source and content of email attachments, and not open email attachments sent by strangers.
4. Don't plug in removable storage media: Users should be careful when using removable storage media, and not plug in USB flash drives or removable hard disks from unknown sources. If you must use removable storage media, you can use antivirus software to scan the media to make sure it is safe.
5. Update software and operating systems: Users should update their software and operating systems to fix possible vulnerabilities and prevent viruses from spreading by exploiting them.