Differentiate the threat to a computer from electrical surges and spikes versus the threat from viruses

Well, in my opinion, the difference would be that electrical surges can damage the equipment or parts inside of a computer, while a virus is typically built for damaging things like the OS, Software, or Files. Though a virus CAN damage equipment, like the Chernobyl Virus, it isn't all that common

Electrical surges can overload a computer (or really any plugged in device) and the instant jump in power can fry the computer, ruining the hardware.  viruses are made to invade youre computer through software and some viruses have the goal of finding personal information or trying to get money.  this can be done by a virus locking down your computer until you send $ to an account or buy something.