Software Virus Tips
by Susan Delap
Viruses, worms, Trojan horses, spyware, etc.- they're all pieces of software
code that get into your computer due to unsafe computing and usually wreak some sort of
havoc. They are most prevalent on PCs running Microsoft Windows operating
systems. They rarely crop up on Macs or computers running non-Microsoft
OSs.
Common ways for viruses to get into your computer
-
email attachment (MS Outlook and Outlook Express are email programs
usually targeted)
-
file exchange from an infected source (floppy disk, zip disk, CD-R,
network file transfer, infected web site, etc.)
-
clicking on links to webpages in emails. Scary, but this is becoming
more common. Be careful. Don't click on a link if you don't trust the sender.
How to minimize the risk of infection
-
DO NOT open email attachments unless you are expecting one from
a known source. But what if you get an email from your buddy Joe? He wouldn't
send you a virus, would he? WRONG! Email addresses can be "spoofed". If in doubt, check Symantec's web site:
www.symantec.com.
They have a comprehensive list of all the known viruses.
-
Uniquely sign your emails when you send attachments. Don't just
flip off an attachment to someone with no text in the body of the message.
Take the time to add some text so the person will know it is really from you.
-
Don't use MS Outlook or Outlook Express. The TCC has a great web-based
email program using SquirrelMail. Try it here.
-
Get a good antivirus program. Then follow the instructions about
periodically downloading new virus definitions to keep your protection
current. Try to update it AT LEAST every week. Symantec creates new
virus definition files every few days. When you hear about
a new virus, update your definitions immediately.
-
Run Windows Update at least ONCE A MONTH, and immediately when you
hear about another security flaw being detected in Windows operating systems.
Install any critical updates that deal with security issues. Check out
all the other updates too.
-
Get a spyware checking program. Matt Richmond recommends SPYBOT.
It's FREE -- get it here.
-
Disable cookies on your browser except for sites that require them
AND you trust.
-
Don't use Internet Explorer. Try Mozilla Firefox.
Notes on Symantec's Norton AntiVirus
software
When you purchase this software, it comes with a one year subscription
to Symantec's virus definitions update service. If your software came with
a new computer (known as OEM-Original Equipment Manufacturer-software),
this subscription lasts only a limited time. In either case, when the subscription
is about to expire, you will get a warning message. When the subscription
finally expires, you will be given an opportunity to renew your subscription
for another year online. Click here
to read Symantec's instructions on how to renew your subscription.
Watch out for virus hoaxes
Every now and then someone sends out an email warning of a bogus virus.
They include the name, what to look for, and a directive to forward the
email to everyone you know. Pretty soon so many emails are flooding the
net that communications can become seriously impaired. Don't contribute
to this hoax. Check Symantec's website
to verify if a threat is real first. If you can't find the suspected virus
listed, forward the email to Symantec and they will check it out. (Symantec
also maintains a list of virus hoaxes.) Email chain letters are
a form of pseudo virus too. Just because it doesn't cost you postage to
mail however many copies the message says you must mail before disaster
befalls you or you miss out on that windfall, those stupid things still
clog up the net and disrupt communications, ultimately costing someone
money. Just delete it and go on.