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A computer virus is actually a piece of software that requires the computer to run it. Once it’s running it can attack things like files on your disks. Since the external drive is just another drive to the computer, then files on it could be attacked as well. Make sure you run anti-virus programs and be careful what you download and avoid opening email atachments even from people you know - especially women who love to forward the self-help or advisory attachments.</p>
<p>An external hard drive can provide backup in case your system hard drive crashes and can provide additional storage but if you have a fire or have a theft, the external drive is at risk as well so if you really want protection, you should have some form of offsite backup for your most important files.</p>