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VIRUS
FACTS
WHAT YOU CAN DO TO BE VIRUS-FREE?
The most important thing to do is to have
a good, up to date anti-virus program running on your computer. Having these
programs on your computer is not enough though. Since new viruses are
always coming out, anti-virus companies have to write a definition file that
will allow their anti-virus program to find these new viruses. This is why
updating the DAT files for your program is important. You must make sure to
update these programs on a regular basis.
Make sure that you download and install any Microsoft security patches for
your computer. These service packs and updates can be found at: http://windowsupdate.microsoft.com
Be cautious of any files or attachments that you receive in e-mail, IRC or
Instant Messaging programs like AIM, ICQ or MSN Messenger. Even if you know who
the files are from, it would be a good idea to either confirm that the files are
from who they say they are or scan the files before opening them.
If, for whatever reason, you do not
have current antivirus protection then choose one of these free packages
AntiVir Personal Edition
AVG Antivirus v 6
or renew your subscription for your existing
program!
With the recent increase in the number of viruses, we thought it would be
helpful to provide you with some virus facts and ways to avoid getting viruses.
There are many different kinds of viruses and they are defined by what they do.
A "virus" is a program that
replicates itself and affects other programs. Viruses do not always cause damage
and may not display symptoms, but they can, and sometimes they can be very
destructive.
A "worm" is a computer program
that replicates itself. Worms do not infect other programs, but instead, they
send themselves to other users through e-mail, IRC and Instant Messaging
programs.
A "trojan" is a malicious
program that pretends to be a normal program. These programs do something that a
user does not expect them to do. They are not considered a virus in the true
sense of the word since they do not spread themselves to other users.
A
"boot sector virus" places
malicious code into the first sector of a floppy or hard disk. When the floppy
or hard disk is run, the virus is run and performs certain instructions that
gain control of basic functions of a computer, and do damage.
A
"Denial of Service "(DOS) is an
action that occurs when an infected computer is taken over by someone other than
the normal user. The computer is then used to prevent the normal functioning of
a system and keeps other users from accessing those systems.
A "macro virus" is written using
a macro programming language and then attached to an ordinary document file such
as Word or Excel. When the document is run, the virus unloads its damage and
copies itself into other documents to continue its spread.
A "VBS virus" is one that is
written using Visual Basic Scripting. Because of a security hole in Outlook and
Outlook Express, this virus can be run without clicking on an attachment.
Virus Detection and Prevention Tips
- Do not open any files attached to an email
from an unknown, suspicious or untrustworthy source.
- Do not open any files attached to an email
unless you know what it is, even if it appears to come from a dear friend or
someone you know. Some viruses can replicate themselves and spread through
email. Better be safe than sorry and confirm that they really sent it.
- Do not open any files attached to an email if
the subject line is questionable or unexpected. If the need to do so is there
always save the file to your hard drive before doing so.
- Delete chain emails and junk email. Do not
forward or reply to any to them. These types of email are considered spam,
which is unsolicited, intrusive mail that clogs up the network.
- Do not download any files from strangers.
- Exercise caution when downloading files from
the Internet. Ensure that the source is a legitimate and reputable one. Verify
that an anti-virus program checks the files on the download site. If you're
uncertain, don't download the file at all or download the file to a floppy and
test it with your own anti-virus software.
- Update your anti-virus software regularly.
Over 500 viruses are discovered each month, so you'll want to be protected.
These updates should be at the least the products virus signature files. You
may also need to update the product's scanning engine as well.
- Back up your files on a regular basis. If a
virus destroys your files, at least you can replace them with your back-up
copy. You should store your backup copy in a separate location from your work
files, one that is preferably not on your computer.
- When in doubt, always err on the side of caution
and do not open, download, or execute any files or email attachments. Not
executing is the more important of these caveats. Check with your product
vendors for updates which include those for your operating system web browser,
and email. One example is the security site section of Microsoft located at
http://www.microsoft.com/security.
- If you are in doubt about any potential virus
related situation you find yourself in, click
here to report a virus.
Take
this link to find more information about excellent virus protection.
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