tips for preventing computer viruses, to help you avoid them in the future
AVG's free Anti Virus program is
available at:
http://free.avg.com/download-avg-anti-virus-free-edition
Look at the frequently asked questions found at:
http://http://free.avg.com/faq
VIRUS FORMS - Virus come in many forms, and here are some details.
Users usually spread
TROJAN-HORSE programs inadvertently. These spread by making copies of
themselves to files or disk sectors. They are the results of people
"trying" new programs from un-reliable sources.
Another form known as
WORMS copy themselves but don't need a host file or disk, so they can
spread over a network without user intervention or awareness. This is
the type that spreads via mass e-mailings.
To keep your computer safe:
- Buy and install an Anti-Virus software program
- Keep it updated [the data files] weekly
- DON'T OPEN ATTACHMENTS even if your know the person sending
them. If you are really curious, send back an e-mail asking for confirmation that the person really did send you an attachment.
RELIABLE SITES TO CHECK LISTS OF KNOWN VIRUSES
LISTS OF HOAX MESSAGES
Often you will get a message from
a friend or relative exhorting you to quickly send a copy of everyone
you know - and it is supposed to be a virus warning. These often say
they come from Microsoft, IBM or other computer affiliated companies.
They are identifiable by the extreme urgency that you forward it
immediately !
To check for HOAX MESSAGES -
PLEASE check those frantic messages you receive
at one of these sites before sending them out to everyone in your
Address Book.
REMEMBER also that Virus spread
by going into someone's Address Book and sending a message and its
Attachment to everyone in there with a "From" that may well be a family
member