I think the 'Virus' was supposed to be based on a mathematical problem with infinite possible solutions that the alien ship's computer would be compelled to solve. Such a virus could simply be transmitted in the 'language of mathematics.' (A similar idea was used in 'Contact')
And OK there was the laughing skull that appeared on the alien consoles but, hey, thats hollywood.
Slashdot Mirror
I think the 'Virus' was supposed to be based on a mathematical problem with infinite possible solutions that the alien ship's computer would be compelled to solve. Such a virus could simply be transmitted in the 'language of mathematics.' (A similar idea was used in 'Contact')
And OK there was the laughing skull that appeared on the alien consoles but, hey, thats hollywood.