Virus Tips

Anti Virus packages: Norton or McAfee

With yet another virus/worm making the rounds, I thought it would be a good time for a few prevention and detection tips.

To begin with, here are a few very brief definitions:

Virus: a program file capable of attaching to disks or other files and replicating (usually without user knowledge or permission).

Worm: a program that replicates but unlike a virus doesn't infect other program files. Worms create copies on the same computer or other computers using a network.

Hoax: not a virus but a warning about a virus or worm (sometimes intentional but not always). A hoax causes trouble due to the great amounts of e-mail they generate as people forward the warning.

Prevention/Detection Tips

Do not open file attachments to an e-mail from an unknown source. Even a source you trust (like a family member) may unwittingly forward a file with a worm or virus attached.

Save file to disk when you receive an attachment and scan it with current anti-virus software (the most recent .dat file) to ensure it is not infected.

Update your anti-virus software regularly. This should become part of a routine of regular maintenance for your computer. Updates may include the software's latest scanning engine.

Back up your files regularly. If you do receive a virus that damages your files, you will be able to restore those files from a clean back-up.

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