The social basis of troubles with software: the case of computer virus stories

Computer viruses are an especially visible and dramatic manifestation of problems associated with computer software. Consequently, computer viruses offer a specific opportunity for exploring the social basis of troubles with software. One particular focus of this research is the nature and variation of the cultural images associated with software problems. In what ways is knowledge (beliefs, stories) about computer viruses mediated by various social agencies. How is this knowledge distributed and communicated? The paper reports an attempt to come to terms with special appeal of stories about computer viruses