Currently there are over 10,000 known
computer viruses. There are around 200 new viruses discovered
each month. We urge our users to protect themselves
against computer viruses.
We highly recommend
the use of a virus protection program. Here at Genesis
we primarily use Norton's
Antivirus. With the purchase of Norton's
you get a year long subscription to updates allowing
you to stay on top of any new virus that might be discovered.
Norton's keeps a list of the
latest virus threats with links to information
concerning each one. Their site offers many
virus removal tools free for download if
you discover you have one of them. They also offer an
extended list and search
engine specifically for viruses, trojan
horses, worms and macros. To get a free virus and security
check online with Norton's, Click
Here.
Another good source
for keeping informed about viruses is Trend
Micro. They also offer a free
computer scan for viruses. They also list
a number of precautions
you can take to keep your computer safe. By knowing
what's new and learning about their threats and effects
you have a better chance of avoiding a virus.
1. Perform updates regularly. Microsoft offers
updates
on Windows and Outlook often improving security
with each update. These updates are free and can
be downloaded from Microsoft's
website: http://www.microsoft.com
2. Do not open any attachments in e-mail that you
are unsure about, especially attachments that are
".exe" files. Virus programs often email
to addresses in an e-mail address book from a computer
without the user's knowledge, attaching the virus
to the e-mail. So even if the attachment is from
someone you know, use caution.
3. Download files only from trusted sites.
4. Scan files on floppy disks before transfering
them to your hard drive
5. Never turn on a computer with a floppy disk
in drive A unless it's a system or boot disk that
has been determined as virus free.
6.Write
protect your disks
Virus or Hoax?
If you have received information
that you might have a virus you can check out Hoaxbusters
to see if it is possibly a hoax instead of an authentic
virus. They offer ways to recognize hoaxes and what
to do about them.
Signs or Symptoms of
a Virus
1. Your computer begins to act
strangely or does not do something it has always
done before.
2. Programs may take longer to
start or run than usual.
3. Unexplained decrease in system
resources or available memory.
4. Files disappear
5. Computer seems sluggish
6. Odd events or messages occur
7. Computer will not boot
What should I do if
I think I have a virus?
If you feel you have a virus,
contact a technician at Genesis. You may need to
bring your computer in for repairs. 388-7447
