A computer virus is basically best described as "malicious software", programs
that are often intent on some sort of destruction. You may have heard the terms
"worms" or "trojans". Similar to a bomb, when a virus strikes it has a "payload",
and the level of destruction varies significantly. However, this range could
include a loss of computer data, complete loss of data and in some instances
hardware damage.

First Lines Of Defense:
A antivirus program such as Norton Antivirus or McAfee Antivirus that is
updated regularly will protect you a great deal. Keep in mind since new viruses
come out everyday, your antivirus program is only as good as the last update.
Both of these programs do a very good job of protecting you and both have an
auto update feature which can keep your protection updated. You can also
download the latest virus definition files from the prospective websites and
manually install them. We check for these files on a daily basis, and if available
we install them immediately.

The next line of defense in our opinion is the user of the computer. In a single
click of the mouse, a user can open a file attachment in an email and infect the
computer. So one should be wary of any emails which contain file attachments. It
does not matter if you recognize the email address as one of your friends as their
computer may be infected. If you are not expecting an email with a file attachment
from a friend, contact that friend before you open it to see if they know they sent
it. Many viruses actually send infectious emails while the user is unaware of the
problem. The newer viruses have the ability to "SPOOF" the "from" address of
the email. The virus finds email addresses from the address book of the infected
users computer and uses emails from that address book to not only send viruses
to, but also to change the "from" email address. So you might see an email that
looks like its from a particular email address, when indeed it is not. Unknowingly
you might then send off a nasty letter to someone who is completely innocent and
not infected.

The third line of defense can also protect you from computer hackers. Installing
a firewall such as Zone Alarm or Norton Internet Security, (which comes with
Norton antivirus), can be configured to block file attachments from being
downloaded. With Internet Security you can also prevent other users such as
children from viewing subjects on the internet that you feel are harmful and it
includes a spam filter which can automatically move spam email to trash. It's a
pretty useful tool that covers a wide variety of issues. Please note though that
this program is updated regularly as well and you should check for those updates,
(or use the auto update feature).

Yet another line of defense for those of you who have high speed connections
such as DSL or cable is a router. Many of the new routers include firewall
protection as well. Some of which can be configured to block certain sites
from being accessed in any way, and some can be configured to block specific
types of file downloads as well.

It is said: "you can pay me now or you can pay me later". Generally speaking the
later one is much more expensive. Many people have outdated antivirus programs
that are weak at best, you should consider updating the program before its too
late. Many new computers come with antivirus programs but for some reason
they are never updated leaving the computer vulnerable to attack.

One other note of importance sometimes viruses send emails telling you to delete
program files such as the Jdbgmgr.exe Hoax. Don't do it without checking first, It
may be a needed system file. To check for Hoaxes click here.

Hopefully this has given you some ideas on how to keep your pc clean of viruses,
but also helped you to protect your friends, because if yours become infected.......
your pc can infect them as well.

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