Virus Information

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 Antivirus. With the purchase of Norton you get a year long subscription to updates allowing you to stay on top of any new virus that might be discovered. Norton 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, 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.

If you are looking for a FREE Virus Protection Program, try the AVG Anti-Virus software.

Things you can do to help prevent 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 flash drives 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

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
Please note: This is not a definitive list.
If you feel you have a virus, contact a technician at Genesis by calling (864) 323-0100 x106. You may need to bring your computer in for repairs.