Tips For Fighting Computer Viruses

Definitions

Virus: A program that attaches itself to a "host" program, and can cause damage to hardware, software, and files.
Worm: A stand-alone, self-replicating program that invades computers and consumes memory, thus causing a computer to crash.
Trojan horse: A computer program that appears to be useful but conceals an unexpected function, which is typically damaging.

Vectors of Infection

The pathways used to spread a virus include:

E-mail attachments through Outlook Express and Outlook.
Web based e-mail, such as Hotmail, AOL or Yahoo.
File and network shares.
Visits to malicious Web sites.
Downloads of untrusted code or software programs from unknown or untrusted sites.

From Microsoft: June 14, 2002

When you hear about a computer virus going around, it's time to make doubly sure that your computer is not vulnerable to catch—or pass along—the infection. Besides the preventative actions you can take, there are things you need to do if you think you have a virus to get your computer back to health.

How Do I Know If a Virus Alert is Genuine?

Is it real or is it a hoax? If you've seen or read about a new virus via a reputable news source or publication, it is probably not a hoax. However, if you receive an e-mail, even from someone you know, regarding a new virus alert that asks you to pass it along, stop! This is a common trick used by virus creators to spread the infection.

Instead of forwarding a virus alert e-mail to your address list, confirm whether or not the virus alert is real by contacting either your antivirus vendor or Microsoft® Product Support Services.

Once you've confirmed that the virus threat is real, the next course of action is to fix it.

How Do I Know If I Have It?

Unless you have antivirus software installed on your computer, you simply won't be able to know if it has been infected. In many cases, a virus can slow your computer's processor or trigger other unusual behavior; however, these symptoms can also be caused by a number of unrelated reasons.

Keep up-to-date with the latest virus definitions by regularly visiting your antivirus software vendor's Web site to download them, or by running scheduled updates to your antivirus software. Only then will your software be able to recognize the latest identified threats.

How Do I Get Rid of It?

Once you have identified that you have a virus, follow the directions on your antivirus software vendor's Web site to download the latest definitions or updates that will fix or remove the virus. In some cases, you may also need to follow the steps provided to manually remove viral code within your system.

If you need further assistance, you can contact your antivirus software vendor or Microsoft Product Support Services for support in removing the virus. (To obtain virus removal support from Microsoft Product Support Services, you will need current antivirus software installed on your computer.)

How Do I Know It's Gone?

In most cases, if you download the latest virus definitions from your antivirus software vendor, this will take care of the virus. However, you still need to be alert, because many times a Trojan horse is spread like a virus or could be spread with a virus, but may not show symptoms for quite a while, if ever. If you notice your computer or Internet connection running without your using it, or if your computer settings change, you should go to your antivirus software vendor's Web site to install the latest definitions or scan your machine to detect the presence of any Trojan horses.

How Do I Help Protect My Computer from Viruses?

There is no magic bullet that will protect your computer or files from infection. One of the best strategies against any security breach is a well-informed and proactive defense.

The most important actions you can take are:

Install antivirus software and keep it current, ideally updating it weekly. This is your first and best defense.
Use Windows Update to scan and update your Windows operating system with the latest free software patches, including those for Microsoft Internet Explorer and Microsoft Outlook Express.
Use Office Products Update [http://office.microsoft.com/productupdates/] to keep Microsoft Outlook® and other Microsoft Office programs up-to-date to help guard against virus intrusions.
Learn how to set security features.
Install a firewall, especially if you use a high-speed Internet connection.

Other good practices to follow:

Be cautious about visiting unknown or untrusted Web sites. Untrusted or disreputable Web sites can transmit a virus directly into your computer. Staying on the main routes of the information highway will help protect your safety.
Don't open e-mail attachments from anyone you don't know—and be wary of those from people you do. Some viruses spread by mailing themselves to contacts in an infected computer's address book. If you have any doubts about the safety of an attachment, check with the source before opening it.

By using discretion, keeping your antivirus software up-to-date, and erring on the side of caution, you can help correct and protect the health of your computer system. Prevention is often the best medicine.

Preventing A Virus
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