Virus Warnings and the Internet

November 2003

This is in response to the _____________virus warning message I was sent. Please keep this in mind…

• plenty of websites are available to the internet user that warn them of hoax virus warnings
• these messages that you send are not opened and make their way straight to the trash bin
• I have recently become more aware of what to look for in potentially harmful viruses and will not have my computer infected by your fraudulent information
• seems that your efforts are in vain, so its time to spend your time doing other things
• the intent to contaminate a computer and/or its software is wasted at this address

…DO NOT send future messages

TIPS TO PROTECT YOURSELF FROM COMPUTER VIRUSES

In this day and age, it is easy to get sucked into a “quick fix” way of thinking. Certain messages we receive on the internet promise us FREE merchandise, dream vacations, or warnings of viruses that exist to harm our computer and its software.

How does one determine which warnings are valid and which are just the virus themselves? By opening the message? This is not a chance worth taking.

It is important to educate yourself about viruses and what you can do to prevent a computer virus from attacking your system. Here are some tips that can help…

ABOUT VIRUSES

Information about computer viruses and their effects.

1. Viruses can be spread from various computer programs or disks.
2. Viruses exist within the computer itself. Outside of a computer unit they cannot be activated.
3. All viruses are not destructive, but they can be damaging to your computer.
4. Most viruses are poorly written programs that are created. Of the thousands of viruses that exist, most are not that widespread.
5. Viruses CAN exist on brand new computers and software programs.
6. Viruses are created with the intent to damage a PC or cause problems for the user.
7. Viruses are caused by opening an infected file or using an infected disk.

TYPES OF VIRUSES

All viruses are not the same and do not affect the computers in the same way.

1. LOGIC BOMBS exist in the computer and are there until a file is opened, a particular date comes or some random event takes place.
2. TROJANS are masked as programs that may be familiar, and then active when they are opened.
3. WORMS are viruses that copy themselves over and over again, eventually overloading the computer.
4. E-MAIL messages can contain virus hoax warnings that are in fact viruses themselves.

PROTECTION

Ways to prevent viruses from invading your PC.

1. Purchase some kind of virus protection computer software.
2. DO NOT open or install computer files or software that you re not familiar with and are not sure where it came from.
3. Eject all floppy disks from the A drive BEFORE turning off your computer.
4. Beware of the macros on any Microsoft computer software.
5. Check antivirus websites for the status of current viruses and various hoax viruses that are circulating.
6. Websites that can help include: http://www.stiller.com

http://www.howstuffworks.com

http://www.sarc.com

http://www.mcafee.com