Combating Viruses
There are some easy things you can do to keep your computer virus-free. If you simply use software from reliable vendors, that is half the battle. The other thing you can do to keep viruses off your computer is to avoid opening email attachments from people you do not know.
It sounds easy, but you would be surprised how many people download software or open an email attachment from someone they do not know. You would not open your car door for a stranger, so avoid these two practices to keep from opening the “door” of your computer to strangers. Some of the most infamous viruses were spread from one computer to another through emails. Even if the email is from a reliable source – such as Microsoft – you should still be suspicious. Email addresses can be forged to look like they are from someone else.
In 1999, the “Melissa” viruses was posted to an Internet newsgroup through a Microsoft Word attachment. The virus perpetuated itself by accessing the address book of the person that downloaded it and sending itself to the first 50 users in that address book. In only a few hours, this virus has slowed the networks on the Internet.The “ILoveYou” virus affected many computers in 2000. It also sent copies of itself from the infected computer to the email addresses in the address book.
If you think viruses are a thing of the past – think again! But, you can protect yourself against them. There are many antivirus programs – both free and commercial –that will protect your computer from viruses. Even many of the commercial packages can be purchased for less than $50. The software examines files as they are loaded then again at pre-determined times. They also examine email attachments, looking for viruses. If a virus is found, the user is alerted and the infected programs and files are cleaned if possible. If not, they will be quarantined so they cannot be run or infect any additional files or programs.
The anti-virus programs also search for virus signatures. A virus signature is a unique string of bits, sort of like a person’s fingerprints. It can be used to detect the virus. But the anti-virus software needs to be updated constantly, since viruses are evolving and new viruses are being sent every day. The software will usually notify you when it needs to be updated for the latest virus protection information.
You just need to remember that you cannot install anti-virus software and forget about it. You need to keep the software updated and take the precaution of not downloading things from people you do not know. The software can only react to viruses after they have been created, so there are still people with anti-virus software that could be infected because the software is unaware of the virus.
Many people are unaware of it, but CDs and DVDs may also contain viruses. It is popular today to burn information on DVDs and CDs, but users who do that may inadvertently copy an infected program on disc. It is possible, although rare, that the virus could then spread to someone else who inserts the disc.
You should always use trusted sources when downloading software from the Internet. And never open an email attachment from someone you do not know.