A Wisdom Archive on viruses

Computer virus - The vulnerability of operating systems to viruses. Another analogy to biological viruses: just as genetic diversity in a population decreases the chance of a single disease wiping out a population, the diversity of software systems on a network similarly limits the destructive potential of viruses. This became a particular concern in the 1990s, when Microsoft gained market dominance in desktop operating systems and office suites. Users who use Microsoft software (especially networking soft ...

Read more here: » Computer virus: Encyclopedia II - Computer virus - Viruses and legitimate software

Unlike biological viruses, computer viruses do not simply evolve by themselves, except in the cases where copying errors and recombination have led to actual evolution of computer viruses; however, these cases are very rare compared to the rapid generation of new malware by human programmers. They cannot come into existence spontaneously, nor can they be created by bugs in regular programs. They are deliberately ...

Read more here: » Computer virus: Encyclopedia II - Computer virus - Why people create computer viruses

Chronic fatigue syndrome:
an illness characterized by long periods of fatigue, often accompanied by headaches, muscle pain and weakness, and elevated antibody titers to some herpes viruses. The cause or causes are unknown.

 
(See also: Chronic fatigue syndrome, Alternative Medicine, Body Mind and Soul )

An antiseptic (Greek αντι, against, and σηπτικος, putrefactive) is a substance that prevents the growth and reproduction of various microorganisms (such as bacteria, fungi, protozoa, and viruses) on the external surfaces of the body. Some are true germicides, capable of destroying the bacteria, whilst others merely prevent or inhibit their growth. The objective of antiseptics is to reduce the possibility of sepsis, infection, or putrefaction by germs. Antibacterials have the same objective but only act against bacte ...

Read more here: » Antiseptic: Encyclopedia - Antiseptic

The distribution of AIDS cases, whether in the United States or elsewhere in the world, invariably mirrors the prevalence of HIV in a population. In the United States, HIV first appeared in populations of homosexual men and injection-drug users, a majority of whom are male. Because HIV is spread primarily through sex or by the exchange of HIV-contaminated needles during intravenous drug use, it is not surprising that a majority of U.S. AIDS cases have occurred in men (U.S. Census Bureau, 1999). These behaviors also show a gender skew: ...

Read more here: » Common misconceptions about HIV and AIDS: Encyclopedia II - Common misconceptions about HIV and AIDS - The distribution of AIDS cases casts doubt on HIV as the cause. Viruses are not gender-specific yet only a small proportion of AIDS cases are among women