Get descriptions of the more common types of things that infect computers and networks.
This article has a nicely done compilation of words that are used when the topic is computer security.
Easy and clear reading including definitions of these terms:
Malware
Spyware
Adware
Rootkits
Virus
Trojans
Worms
The definitions are all drawn from Wikipedia - you could look them up yourself but this a nice presentation.
http://www.ilovefreesoftware.com/08/featured/definiton-of-various-security-related-terms.html
http://lifehacker.com/5560443/whats-the-difference-between-viruses-trojans-worms-and-other-malware
thanks.