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Information Connection: Computer viruses

Virus. The word sends many of us into spasms of panic--we quickly e-mail everyone we know, warning them not to open an e-mail that says "Good times" or some such in the message.

A virus, by definition, is a program that replicates. And when you send e-mails out about a virus, you are then part of the virus, because you are helping to replicate a message that is already consuming Internet resources. Your intentions are good, of course, and this is what pranksters count on. So, beat them at their own game and don't forward those virus e-mails!

Purists will say a virus is a program that replicates itself, but a program that does not replicate itself is not a virus, even if it does something nasty. Most of us refer to any nasty program (even Windows 95!) as a virus. So, with that in mind, here are some protective measures you can take:

  1. Install and run a good virus protection program. If the program is mainstream, it's good--McAffee, Dr. Solomon, and Norton are pretty much the key players.
  2. Since most viruses attack DOS, stay away from DOS. This means if you want a Microsoft operating system, run Windows NT (Win95 and Win98 are still DOS under the hood). UNIX and its variations (such as LINUX) are a bit more robust, but you may not find the programs you want.
  3. Use freeware and shareware--especially games--with extreme caution. Many viruses and Trojans come bundled inside such programs. If you download such a program from someone's website, it's probably safe. If you get it attached as an e-mail or on a floppy that is making the rounds at the office, watch out.
  4. Set your CMOS so your computer does not seek a floppy at boot-up. This prevents you from getting the nastiest of the viruses/Trojans out there, because these have to load at boot time. Similarly, don't open e-mails with attachments you didn't ask for--these can load executables on your root drive and do similar damage.
  5. Don't use pirated software. If someone will sell you pirated software, do you think that person has any qualms about  passing along a virus?
  6. Set up your word processor to ask you before enabling macros. If you always select "no," you become immune to macro viruses--you can always enable the macro after doing a virus scan.
  7. Visual Basic scripting was really cool when it came out. Now, the virus writers use it for their nefarious purposes. You need to disable script execution in your browser settings or risk getting a VB virus. Sigh.

 

Buy Antivirus Software Here

For more information on viruses:

http://www.hoaxkill.com
http://www.kumite.com/myths/home.htm

 

 

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