Computer Viruses

No one who uses the Internet should be without virus protection. A single infected computer can easily generate hundreds of messages, potentially spreading the virus to many more computers.

The two most popular software programs are Norton and McAfee. You won't have a problem with any virus if your virus protection software is up-to-date. Download and install the updates every two weeks, and whenever you hear about a new virus, check your virus software web sites for updates.

If you are using a Windows-based computer and your anti-virus software is not up-to-date, your computer could become infected if you open the attachment. If that happens, your computer will start sending messages with an attached file to every email address stored on your computer.

Most viruses are developed to attack Microsoft products, particularly Internet Explorer and Outlook Express. Microsoft develops security patches to fight against these attacks. You must be proactive and do a Windows Update on your computer on a regularly scheduled basis. Go to the START button and select Windows Update. This will take you to the Microsoft page. Click on the link called Product Updates, it will tell you which updates you need on your computer.

Whether you are an Outlook Express or other mail program user, or even if you are a MAC user, DO NOT open up any executable attachment sent to you. Remember you should not open up any attachment that you were not expecting even if it is from someone you know.

Some general tips on avoiding virus infections:

1. Install anti-virus software from a well-known, reputable company, UPDATE it regularly, and USE it regularly.

New viruses come out every single day; an anti-virus program that hasn't been updated for several months will not provide much protection against current viruses.

2. In addition to scanning for viruses on a regular basis, install an 'on access' scanner (included in most good a-v software packages) and configure it to start automatically each time you boot your system. This will protect your system by checking for viruses each time your computer accesses an executable file.

3. Virus scan any new programs or other files that may contain executable code before you run or open them, no matter where they come from. There have been cases of commercially distributed floppy disks and CD-ROMs spreading virus infections.

4. Anti-virus programs aren't very good at detecting Trojan horse programs, so be extremely careful about opening binary files and Word/Excel documents from unknown or 'dubious' sources. This includes posts in binary newsgroups, downloads from web/ftp sites that aren't well-known or don't have a good reputation, and executable files unexpectedly received as attachments to E-mail or during an on-line chat session.