Why do people actually write virus programs anyway? I don't see any way that it would benefit them at all.

These are some of the reasons that have been mentioned:

1. To test the security of products like IE

2. For the sense of power they get when they see the results of their machinations (pun intended)

3. To show off to their friends (that's how some get caught: Loose lips sink ships.)

4. To polish up their programming skills. Wanting a real-world problem, and not having any contracts or legitimate work at the time, they turn to the material available and dream up a 'problem' and then solve it.

5. Boredom. Nothing to do. No friends. Don't like playing outdoors in the sunshine. Start tinkering with the 'puter just for something to do. Want some feedback. Write a virus.

6. Destructive impulse, like setting fire to someone's garage just because you can.

If you believe in conspiracy theories, it has been said that many of them are written by Virus protection companys themselves....keeps them in business....don`t think so myself...but then ???