Computer Viruses 

Update your antivirus definitions regularly (daily or weekly)

See tips below

Windows ME and Windows XP Pro users read this important note

A computer virus is a program that infects a computer by attaching itself to another program or document. The virus is activated when the infected program is started or the infected document is opened.  Computers can become infected by files downloaded over a network and the internet,  or by the installation of new software or by floppy disks and other media that are already infected with viruses.

Some viruses are only pranks, and perform harmless actions like displaying a screen with a joke message on it. Others can destroy files or wipe out a hard drive.

Computer viruses have become increasingly sophisticated, taking advantage of program code within popular software or using the internet and e-mail to spread rapidly throughout the world. 

Anti-virus software is available to help protect against virus infection. This protection is reasonable but never 100% guaranteed. As virus programmers become more sophisticated (sneaky), anti-virus software developers have had to redesign their monitoring systems to protect against "creative" virus programmers.

While the internet has expanded and enriched our lives in many ways, it has also made us aware that not everyone plays by the same rules.

Never, ever think, it can't happen to me!

If major corporations and government agencies can get infected, you can too.

Take caution when downloading files from the internet or opening files that have come in as attachments to e-mail.

Do not casually trust even your most trusted sources. Scan all floppy disks, zip disks and CD-ROM's before using them.

Keep current on anti-virus technology !  

Click here for more information and tips on virus protection

One bad apple can spoil the whole bunch!