Protecting your PC from Virii:  SIX STEPS TO PROTECT YOUR PC

1) Invest in Anti-Virus Software:

If you partake in file sharing of any kind, regardless of how safe the source, you may still be opening a door for viral infection.  There are numerous commercial Anti-Virus products on the market today, each offering fantastic features, great protections and easy to use interfaces.

2) Update Virus Software Frequently:

Please remember that even though you have a virus scanner installed, that does not make you 100% safeguarded against Virii.  Anti-Virus software needs to be updated regularly with the most current virus definitions in order to detect the newest of discovered Virii.  Most companies offer free weekly updates and even release emergency definitions for fast spreading Virii to ensure your scanner is up to date and offers the most protection available.

3) When In Doubt Don�t Download!

One way to insure you don�t catch the latest virus is to avoid unnecessary downloads.  Whether it is email attachments or shareware games, if it�s not from a trusted source use extreme caution.  If the email attachment is from a friend, did you request the file?  Does the text within the body of the email draw suspicion?  Are you visiting a site that is asking you to download a peculiar file?  Be cautious�when in doubt don�t download!

4) Stay Current On Virus News:

It�s a good idea to stay informed about new Virii that have been discovered in the wild.  Make it a routine to visit Anti-Virus software sites for information updates, paying especially close attention to the way the new Virii are spreading.  By staying informed you can take effective measures to protect yourself.

5) Pay Attention To  File Extensions:

As a general rule you should have file extensions showing.  File extensions are a sequence of letter (usually 3 or 4) at the end of file that tells exactly what �kind� of file it is and what program it should be associated with.

Examples are: 

• picture.JPG (Extension: JPG Type: Image)
• program.EXE (Extension: EXE Type: Executable)
• audio.MP3 (Extension: MP3 Type: Audio)
• archive.ZIP (Extension: ZIP Type: Compressed Archive)

6) Check What Is Executed At Start-Up!

Virii must be executed, whether it is by you or by another program.  Most Virii ensure that they execute each time your computer�s operating system is booted.  They do so by several methods, but you can check a few common locations.

Note: This tip is for users who are experienced in using the tools Sysedit, MsConfig, and Regedit. (Please use caution in editing system files; mistakes can result in corruption of vital files and having to reinstall your OS)

The StartUp Folder
The first place to check is the system startup folder usually located at:
C:\WINDOWS\Start Menu\Programs\StartUp (Assuming Windows is installed on the C Drive)

The System Registry  (Using RegEdit)
The next place to check for strange entries is the system registry; look for suspicious entries at the following locations:

[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\
Windows\CurrentVersion\Run]

[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\
Windows\CurrentVersion\RunOnce]

[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\
Windows\CurrentVersion\RunServicesOnce]

[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\
Windows\CurrentVersion\RunServices]

The Win.INI (Using SysEdit)
The next stop on the hunt for odd entries is the Win.INI, usually located in Windows directory (Usually: C:\Windows).  Check the following places:

load= "odd file"
run= "odd file"

The System.INI (Using SysEdit)
Another system file to check is the System.INI, also located in the Windows directory (Usually: C:\Windows).  Check the following places:

Shell=Explorer.exe  "odd file"

The Autoexec.BAT (Using SysEdit)
The last stop on our hunt for Virii is the AutoExec.BAT located usually in the root directory (Usually: C:\).   Check this file for any suspicious commands that are being executed.
Please remember that following these tips will not make you 100% safe from Virii, but will help reduce your risk of catching an infection.

Comments or Questions? Did you find a mistake in this article?  Email the author: [email protected]