COMPUTER VIRUSES

HOW TO AVOID INFECTION


In a perfect world there would not exist the continual manufacture of tools of destruction. Unfortunately, the human condition is such that there will always be those among us who will maliciously set out to destroy the livelihood and property of others. Just what kind of satisfaction the propogators of computer viruses gain from their odious efforts we may never know, but the results are well known and well documented.

I can offer three pieces of good advice on this topic. Firstly, install anti-virus software on your computer, and keep it regularly updated. For those who can't afford the likes of market leaders McAfee or Norton's anti-viral software packages, there are plenty of other FREE ANTI-VIRUS PROGRAMMES available on the web.

Secondly, be careful with whom you share floppy disks. These are a very common method of virus transfer. Scan disks before accessing them.

Thirdly, beware of email attachments, in particular .exe files. Many a virus has arrived on a computer via email. In most cases these take the form of an .exe file accompanied by a message that encourages the recipient to open the file. Usually the file appears to do nothing at all when clicked upon. In most cases people would simply shrug and concede that the file was faulty, then removing it and not giving the matter another thought. However, the execution of the file has already been effected, and the virus is now on the system. NEVER open an .exe file, even from a trusted friend, unless you know exactly what it is, without scanning it first.

It should also be pointed out that Word and Excel files can carry viruses (usually called "macro viruses") and should also be scanned before opening.

Almost as insidious is the spread of FAKE VIRUSES. These are a constant problem, because the main effect they have is to cause congestion on the internet. These are sent usually via email, and novice computer users, panic-stricken by the information contained, usually end up forwarding the "Bogus Virus" information on to every person listed in their address book.

These are, thankfully, fairly easy to spot. Invariably they arrive with an Urgent-looking UPPER CASE subject, aiming to grab your attention immediately. They then go on to suggest that "this is a new virus and very few people know of its existence", imploring you to "forward this information to as many people as you can".

Other, perhaps more laughable variations on the good old chain letter, another type of email hoax, advise the recipient of special offers by major corporations such as Microsoft or Honda, or play on your sympathy for some poor (non-existent) child dying of aids in some far-off hospital, resulting in millions of unwanted emails arriving at one address and crippling the server in the process.

Don't be fooled by such nonsense - consign this sort of rubbish to your TRASH folder.

Read more about these email hoaxes and bogus viruses HERE.

See also: BACKDOOR Trojan Horse Viruses.