Final answer:
You should always check files for viruses after downloading them to ensure online safety, as the Internet contains unregulated content. Reliable sources and thorough checks can increase credibility. Understanding viruses is also essential for assessing risks.
Step-by-step explanation:
Whenever you download a file from the Internet, you should always check it for viruses before using it. Information on the Internet is not regulated for quality or accuracy, which means that anyone can publish anything on the web. As a user, the responsibility to evaluate the reliability of Internet resources falls to you. It is important to assess the credibility of the source. Reliable sources often come from scholars, museums, or research organizations. A reputable source will cite where its information comes from. By fact-checking and corroborating with other scholarly narratives, or checking with your school library's listings, you can better ensure the material's soundness. If you are still uncertain, don't hesitate to reach out to online librarians for assistance.
As for viruses, understanding them is key in assessing the safety of files. Viruses are not considered living organisms but are capable of hijacking host cells to reproduce. Examples of human diseases caused by viruses include influenza, HIV/AIDS, the common cold, and COVID-19. Viruses serve as invaluable tools for understanding molecular biology, such as through the study of how they invade host cells. Furthermore, a viral vector is an engineered virus used to deliver genetic material into cells, and while it has therapeutic applications, it's not inherently harmful. By grasping these concepts, one can appreciate the significance of verifying the safety of files before use.