What is a virus? A program designed to destroy data or halt operation on systems by copying itself into files and executing when those files are loaded.

Virus is a general term that people use when talking about malicious code. This can be broken down into 3 categories: self-replicating code viruses, worms and Trojan horses.

How do you get a virus in your computer? Viruses can enter your system in many ways; email, downloading from the Internet and Web Sites.

Now I could write for a few more pages on what the difference is between a worm and a Trojan horse - but really what most of us care about is not what infected us but how to safeguard against infections.

Many people already know not to open mail from unknown users or not to open an attachment from someone they do not know - is that really going to stop the viruses from coming? No.

First do you have a virus program? The industry leaders are McAfee or Norton. You should at least have AVG Anti-Virus installed for some level of protection. The AVG tool is a great utility that nearly rivals industry leaders. Do you use your antivirus software? I know that sounds like a silly question but just because you have the software set-up to check email does not mean you are using your software to its potential. One of the biggest mistakes people make is not manually scanning files. Your virus utility program allows for you to manually scan files you save on your computer before you open them for review.

Updates. Viruses spread quickly and pop-up overnight. A virus utility is only as good as its last updates. I suggest weekly updates and weekly system scans.

When downloading files or opening attachments be wary of the following extensions:
.bat | .com | .cpl |.dot | .exe | .js | .pif | .reg | .scr | .vbs | .xlm

Even a trusted friend may not know they have sent you a virus. So Scan attached files manually.

Many emails have come across my computer that tell me to go and find a file on my computer and delete it. This is what I call a social virus. The person who starts this is reeking havoc by scaring people into deleting files they need to run their operating system. Do not just delete a file from your system especially if it ends in .dll. Check with antivirus sources first, they can be trusted. A .dll stands for dynamic-link library.

To ward off viruses from the Internet you can adjust the security settings on your browser. If you use Internet Explorer go to Tools, Internet Options and security tab. You can also mark sites as trusted.

Recap:

* Use a virus utility program ( AVG Anti-Virus is available as Freeware)
* Run weekly updates and system checks
* Perform manual virus scans of saved attachments before opening.
* Pay attention to downloads and file extensions. Manually scan all outside files before opening.
* Check with trusted virus resources before deleting any files on your system
* Customize the security settings in your browser to ward off internet viruses.

Help your computer stay healthy and virus free by following the above tips.

29-apr-04 11:07 AM