Virus or Hoax

Virus or Hoax?

So many times I have received letters in the Email pertaining to various files on my hard drive that are reportedly a virus and advising me to delete them immediately!!. And when I go and check out the rumor I find that that's exactly what they are, RUMOR. So I decided to put this page up to tell people where they can go to check out their validity. (Just click on the name to be taken to their webpage):

(unless otherwise noted these programs are for Windows95©and newer)

First, if you do not have an antivirus program installed I suggest you do so immediately. Either buy one or go to Grisoft© and atleast get their free one, AVG™.

Second, Make sure you have the latest updates. Having an antivirus program will do you no good if you don't keep it current! (AVG has a setting that will do this automatically on a schedule you determine)

Third, NEVER open an attachment with out running it thru your antivirus first, even if you know who it came from! They could be infected and not know it. To check an attachment: Click on the file and when it asks you if you want to open it or save it, save it to your desktop or somewhere handy. Then just right click on it and from the menu choose to scan with anti-virus.

Fourth, if you want a second opinion check out Trend's™ HouseCall® or PC Pitstop®. Both sites have free virus checkers you can run from online. Just run their checker and follow the instructions if they do find a virus.

If you spend anytime on the internet (eBay, chat rooms, bulletin boards) as an added protection may I suggest that you also install a good "firewall" program. One that comes highly recommended is Zone Alarm™. It comes in 3 versions, two that you pay for and one that is free for individual & non-profit use (excluding government and educational institutions). ZoneAlarm is compatible with Microsoft® Windows® 95/98/Me/NT/2000 and XP.

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Now, how do you find out if you need to worry or ignore? Well I suggest that you go to any of the following sites and see what they have to say about your warning. (Just click on the name to be taken to their webpage - right click on the page and "add to favorites" for future reference. You will probably want to put them in a new folder titled "Virus Info" or "Virus Checkers" or something similar so you don't lose them.)

The Virus Information Center® - a good place to check for information

Truth or Fiction - You can check out all kinds of rumors/scams here.

Stiller Research - You can get information on viruses and hoaxes, or get a copy of the latest version of Integrity Master (their anti-virus and data integrity product)

Trend Micro™ - Virus information, online virus checker, various protection and management programs

McAfee.com™ - virus information, many protection programs, sign up for free virus alert newsletter

Or go to the homepage of your virus protection program

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