The Value of Security, Virus Protection and Reliable Harware only becomes important after you have fallen victim.  If you have been caught by one of these misfortunes then you no that you don't want it to happen again.

Prevention is the key.

Q: If you ever wondered why people build viruses?
A: Simple, because they can. I always ask, don't these people have something better to do with there lives? I guess not.

Q: Want to know why people hack and try to steal information from other computers?
A: Simple, Because they can.  Most hackers are not trying to steal information, they are trying to gather information so they can take your system down. (another good reason for backups)  It is just another form of Terrorism as far as I am concerned

The good news! if they cant get it from you, then they always move on.  Most of the infomation a hacker gets from someone has no value.  A letter, a picture, even a checkbook ledger is no value to them.  but a stray credit card number or a password and logon to a online banking site can really get you in deep before you even know it has happened.

The odds of getting hurt by a hacker of a virus are low, usually its just annoying.  But, do you want to take that gamble and play the odds?