With the increasing use of email and the internet, everyone is experiencing a proliferation of viruses (and virus hoaxes). A computer virus is a program that can spread through a computer, between computers and across networks by copying itself. While some viruses may have little or no real effect on your system, others can cause damage ranging from displaying annoying messages to erasing all your files. In order for a virus to infect your computer, it has to run - but that doesn't necessarily mean you have to knowingly start the program. Viruses may attach themselves to other programs, or launch automatically when you open an email or attachment
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Keep your virus software current - new viruses are being created daily so update your virus software regularly.
Set your virus software to scan all incoming and outgoing email.
Set your virus software to run a full system scan weekly or more often if you are a heavy internet and email user.
Limit your internet download activity. Be particularly careful when downloading software from unfamiliar sources.
Delete email with provocative subject lines and/or from unrecognized senders.
If you are using Microsoft Outlook, be sure to turn off the "Preview Pane" - viewing an email in the preview pane is the same as opening it.
Verify virus warnings that are sent to you by email before you act on them.
If you do end up with a virus on your system, use your virus tool to destroy it or quarantine it immediately.
Inform any contacts who may be affected. They will need to know the name of the virus, how you got it, and the process to get rid of it.
A note about Spyware and Adware
Although not viruses, spyware and adware can be very frustrating. They can significantly impede the performance of your computer, change settings and cause a flurry of irritating pop-up ads. The most common source of these invisible programs is through "plug-ins" that liven up your email with a variety of emoticons, animations or backgrounds. These applets are downloaded free from the internet and installing them installs the offending spyware or adware at the same time. Two good tools for removing spyware and adware from your system are Spybot Search & Destroy and AdAware.
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