PROTECTING AGAINST COMPUTER VIRUSES

A computer virus is a malicious software program designed to do damage to your computer system by deleting files or even taking over your PC to launch attacks on other systems. A virus attacks your computer when you launch an infected software program. Here are some tips for protecting your system from computer viruses.

Don t open email attachments from people you don't know\u-4064\'3for even from people you do know if you aren't expecting them.

Don t click links sent to you from strangers in emails, via instant messaging, or in a chat room\u-4064\'3feven if the messages appear to be legitimate.

Do download files from reliable websites only, such as Tucow (www.tucows.com) and Download.com (www.download.com).

Do install and use antivirus software, such as Norton AntiVirus (www.symantec.com) or McAfee VirusScan (www.mcafee.com).

TIP

Email Attachments Are Bad!

The single largest source of computer viruses is infected email attachments. If you remember nothing else from this chapter, remember this: Never open an unexpected file attachment, even if it's from someone you know. Period!

TIP

Update Your Antivirus Program

Whichever antivirus program you choose, you'll need to go online periodically to update the virus definition database the program uses to look for known virus files. New viruses are created every week!