They could be doing it for any of a few reasons.

Most viruses are used to assault computers. This could be to attempt to take down competition, exact revenge on someone, or just because the creator felt like it.

Other viruses are used to harness computing power and use it (without the computer's owner's permission) to power someone else's computers.

A third kind of virus, known as spyware and/or adware, displays ads and/or harnesses 'stolen' computing power to distribute these ads.

Viruses can be prevented by installing antivirus software on your computer. Some big names in antivirus are Symantec/Norton and McAfee, though neither of these companies offers a high-protection product for free (the cost is usually around $40-60 a year for a paid antivirus update subscription). There are many free antivirus programs out there - though I can say with confidence that Symantec and McAfee are both quality investments. Ad-Aware and Spybot are two good anti-ad and anti-spyware programs, and they're free. However, these don't protect against other viruses.

Microsoft is developing antivirus and anti-spyware/adware software. The latter, Microsoft AntiSpyware, is in public trials and is available for download from their website; it's not too bad, and I recommend you use at least 2 of the 3 antispyware programs I've mentioned. The former program, Windows OneCare, is not yet public; however, you can sign up to be an early tester and occasionally they might send you a product in the mail (I got a free copy of OneCare).

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