Viruses

Viruses are computer programs whose main purpose is that of destroying data on our computers. A virus can cause an infected computer to do funny things on certain dates, as well as issue serious commands such as erasing our Registry file, thus disabling the operation and booting up of our computers. It can also delete critical system files causing various error to creep up.

Viruses are spread through executable files that are download off the Internet, installed through a floppy or any portable storage drive, and from email. A virus will often come disguised as a Trojan, which is the carrier for the virus.

Types of Viruses

• Boot sector viruses: These infect the boot or master boot record of hard disks or the boot record of floppy disks. The boot or master boot record contains essential information for the boot process, a virus can alter it making it unable to boot.

• Macro viruses: These attach themselves to a host file and sometimes modify the program size of executable files. Macro viruses can anchor themselves in document templates allowing them to spread rapidly to all documents made from the template.

• File infecting viruses: combine a series of commands into a single complex command.

Antivirus software is only as effective as its most recent update because it can . So when you install anti-virus software, a good idea is to visit the vendor's web site and update the virus definitions immediately and also turn on the auto update feature. New viruses are emerging daily, so keep your virus definitions up to date.

Recommendations for you to get the most out of your anti-virus program:

• Choose a good anti-virus program.

• Keep it updated.

• Use it regularly!

1. Keep your operating system and programs patched! As soon as patches for your software become available, you should apply them!

2. Consider using alternative web browser and email software such as Firefox or Netscape.

3. Be cautious when reading email with attachments and downloading files. Here are some guidelines for email:

• Unsolicited e-mail attachments should never be opened until you have confirmed the sender actually meant to send them. If the sender is known to you and you are absolutely sure they intentionally sent the attachment, then scan it with an up-to-date virus scanner BEFORE opening it.
• Never obtain software from "warez" sites or peer-to-peer programs such as Kazaa.
• Never open email attachments from someone you don't know

Worms

Worms usually travel through email, but people can also get infected if they accept a Trojan File which has the worm. If you receive a worm program through your email and execute it, this program could send the worm file out to all those that are listed in your email address book.

Prevention

• Be aware that Microsoft never sends out security patches by email. NEVER!!!
• For Microsoft Outlook Express, upgrade to the latest version or install the latest security patches.
• Use a good anti-virus that will detect the worm before it can be executed.
• Consider using a non-Microsoft mail client. A good alternative is Mozilla Thunderbird.
• Unexpected attachments should be treated with suspicion.

Trojans

Trojans are executable programs, meaninig that when you open the file, it will perform some action. In Windows, executable programs have file extensions like "exe", "com", etc. Trojans can be spread in the guise of literally anything people find desirable such as movie or song, etc. Victims typically download the trojans from peer-to-peer file exchange, using IRC/instant messaging/Kazaa etc., or just carelessly open some email attachment. Trojans usually do their damage silently and are discovered when others tell you that you are attacking them or trying to infect them!