- Computer Tip - Viruses

What is a computer virus?

A computer virus is a program that spreads itself by infecting executable files
and/or the system areas of hard and floppy disks and then making copies of itself.

Experts estimate that the Mydoom worm infected approximately a quarter-million
computers in a single day in January 2004. (Times Online). Back in March 1999,
the Melissa virus was so powerful that it forced Microsoft and a number of other
very large companies to completely turn off their e-mail systems until the virus could
be contained. The ILOVEYOU virus in 2000 had a similarly devastating effect.
That's pretty impressive when you consider that the Melissa and ILOVEYOU
viruses are incredibly simple.

What kind of files can spread viruses?

Viruses can infect any type of executable code not just 'program files'. Some
viruses infect executable code in the boot sector of floppy disks or in system areas
of hard drives. Another type of virus, known as a 'macro' virus, can infect word
processing and spreadsheet documents that use macros. It's even possible for
HTML documents containing JavaScript or other types of executable code to
spread viruses or other malicious code.

Since virus code must be executed to have any effect, files that the computer
treats as pure data are safe. This includes graphics and sound files such as .gif,
.jpg, .mp3, .wav, etc., as well as plain text in .txt files.

You can't get a virus just by reading a plain-text E-mail message. What you have
to watch out for are encoded messages containing embedded executable code
(i.e., JavaScript in an HTML message) or messages that include an executable
file attachment (i.e., an encoded program file or a Word document containing macros).

If your E-mail or news software has the ability to automatically execute JavaScript,
Word macros, or other executable code contained in or attached to a message, I
strongly recommend that you disable this feature.

My personal feeling is that if an executable file shows up unexpectedly attached to
an E-mail, you should delete it unless you can positively verify what it is, who it came
from, and why it was sent to you.

If you surf the web, download files or share files of any type, or even just use
e-mail, you need, GOTTA HAVE an anti-virus program! A virus can be gotten
very easily and before you know you have it, it can wreck havoc with your computer.
Some may just annoy you, and others can and will DESTROY your system! Below
is a link to a FREE antivirus software package that receives praise from those that
use it. I am one of those myself....
AVG Anti-Virus
http://www.grisoft.com/us/us_index.php

Even if you use an anti-virus program I recommend visiting Trend Micro Systems
Housecall at least once a week just to double check. It is free and will do a thorough
scan. They keep their site up-to-date and have an extensive library with info on any
virus you may encounter. The first time you run a scan from their it will download a
portion of their software to your computer, then the other times the scan will run
faster because it is installed.
Trend Micro Systems
http://housecall.trendmicro.com/housecall/start_corp.asp

Also Panda Software now has an online scan:
Panda Active Scan
http://www.pandasoftware.com/activescan/

Safeguards

Install and REGULARLY update a dependable anti-virus program.
Do a daily scan of your system.
Scan ALL new programs before running (even commercial programs have
spread viruses on floppies and CDs)
If you receive an executable program attached to an email and you are NOT
expecting it, DELETE IT!
Do frequent back-ups of important data.

Being vigilant in protecting your system will make your computing experience
much more enjoyable, and possibly save you time, frustration and even money
in the long run.



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Lynn Harris began online marketing in 1998 after wading
through the hype for a year. He is now editor/webmaster
of HotBizTips.com. A site and newsletter aimed at helping
the new to intermediate online marketer.
http://HoBizTips.com
© 2005 Lynn Harris
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