Virus Prevention
What is a virus?
A computer virus is a small software program that spreads from one computer to another and interferes with computer operation. When a virus infects your e-mail or other files, it can:
- Make copies of itself, possibly filling up your disk drive.
- Send itself to everyone else on your e-mail list.
- Reformat your disk drive and/or delete your files and programs.
- Install hidden programs, such as pirated software, that can be distributed and sold using your computer.
You can pick up a virus from an e-mail or instant message attachment, free content you download from a website or on a disk someone shares with you. If your computer is not protected, once you download and install the program, the virus can spread.
Virus symptoms
- Computer slows down - this could indicate unauthorized activity going on in the background.
- Very large amount of modem or network activity
- Unusual behavior of your computer
- Applications are not operating correctly or content in files appears scrambled
Protect yourself
Help protect your computer by using and updating your antivirus software and keeping your operating system updated.
- Scan incoming e-mail and attachments - before you open them.
- Sign up for automatic updates with your antivirus vendor.
- Schedule weekly disk drive scans to check your system while you sleep.
- Check your antivirus software regularly to make sure it is active.
- To help reduce the risk of a virus exploiting a vulnerability in your operating system, make sure you have the latest patches and updates.
Help! I'm infected. Now What?
- Get the latest updates from your antivirus vendor's website.
- Run your virus protection scan. It will find infected files automatically. It will advise whether it is able to remove viruses from every file or whether you should delete infected files.
- Use a virus removal tool such as Microsoft Security Essentials.
