Avoiding Viruses

Using the Internet can expose your computer to a wide variety of viruses through e-mail, file transferring, and even possibly through Java and ActiveX, which are both programming languages used to enhance web pages. A virus is an executable program whose functions range from just being annoying to causing havoc to your computer. A virus may display an innocuous warning on a particular day, such as Friday the 13th, or it may cause a more serious problem, such as wiping out your entire hard disk. Viruses are found in executable (.exe and .com) files, along with Microsoft Word and Microsoft Excel macro files.

When you start downloading files to your computer, you must be aware of the potential for catching a computer virus. You can't catch a virus from just reading a mail message, but you can catch a virus from opening a file attached to a mail message. And even though most viruses take the form of executable programs, data files that have macros or Visual Basic code attached to them, such as Word or Excel files, can also be infected with viruses.

Although the odds are low that you'll catch a virus through sharing disks or downloading files, there are a few things you can do to keep your system safe from the infiltration of viruses.

First, make sure you are using the most up-to-date virus checking software. New viruses and more virulent strains of existing viruses are discovered every day. Unless you update your virus checking software, new viruses can easily bypass outdated virus checking software. Companies such as MacAfee and Symantec offer shareware virus checking programs available for download directly from their web sites. These programs will monitor your system, checking each time a file is added to your computer to make sure it is not in some way trying to change or damage valuable system files.

Second, be very careful of the sites from which you download files. Major file repository sites, such as FileZ, Download.com, or TuCows, regularly check the files they receive for viruses before posting such files to their web sites. Don't download files from web sites unless you are certain that the sites check their files for viruses.

Finally, make sure you activate macro virus checking protection in both Word and Excel. To do so, click the Tools menu, point to Macro on the expanded menu, click Security, and then make sure that the High Security Level option is selected. (In Office 2000, XP, or later, click the Tools menu, click Options, click the General tab, and then make sure the Macro Virus Protection option is selected.) And always elect not to run macros when opening a Word or Excel file that you received from someone who might not be using proper virus protection.



Show Me Microsoft Windows XP
Show Me Microsoft Windows XP (2nd Edition)
ISBN: 0789733366
EAN: 2147483647
Year: 2002
Pages: 391

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