In our
February Overnite Lite issue, we discussed the
serious problems computer viruses create.
We explained
how viruses attack and how they are spread. We noted that viruses have no
allegiance. They can ravage any computer platform, anywhere, at any time.
Now that we understand the universal extent of the
problem, what can we do about it? We offer the following guidelines to help you
beat virus plagues.
1. As we have been continually preaching, make
sure you have antivirus protection installed on all your computers.
2. Update your
virus definitions often. During virus epidemics, two or three new updates may
be issued in one day.
If you don’t have the resolve
to update regularly, consider using a subscription service. Most antivirus
software firms offer services that will automatically send you definition
updates via e-mail.
3. Be suspicious of attachments, especially
those with uninvited e-mail. When in doubt, trash it. A virus goes to work
immediately when activated.
Although jpeg and gif files
cannot be infected, viruses may be disguised as these files.
Jokes, photographs, graphics and screensavers are common
disguises for viruses attached to e-mail.
4. Set up your software to scan all files you
receive over the Internet, your computer network or on all removable media.
Also check the floppy, Zip or Jaz disks you
send to Copresco—or
share with others—for infections.
5. Ask your company’s network
administrator what is the best way you can protect your workstation.
Check to see if your company has a server-based virus
protection system installed. If so, you should clarify that it protects all of
your company’s computers, including PCs and Macs.
6. Many viruses
invade Outlook address books and remail themselves to your addressees. Thwart
them by switching to another e-mail client (like Eudora, for example).
7. Back up your
computer often. If you do have a problem, it won’t be a total disaster.
8. Follow the
same procedures wherever you work...with your desktop and laptop computers, at
the office and at home (and don’t forget the kids’ computers).
9. If you get a
virus, immediately unplug your modem or disconnect from your network, Then
phone or fax your associates and friends and tell them about the problem.
10. If you
don’t have an updated antivirus program installed, use an online scanning
service right now.
This is not, however, a substitute for
installing your own antivirus software and updating your virus definitions
frequently.
Hoaxes
pose another threat to computer health. While not actual viruses, they can be
just as dangerous. Passed on by well-meaning friends, these false alerts may
provide instructions to delete files that are vital to your computer’s
operation.
At the very least, hoaxes can waste a lot of
valuable time and elevate blood pressure.
To sum it
up, viruses are an unfortunate fact of life in today’s wired world.
Left unchecked, viruses can spread their infectious
diseases around the globe—and into your domain—in a matter of
minutes.
The good news is that these afflictions can be
eradicated with a healthy dose of antivirus therapy.
So
please take Copresco’s advice.
Get started on your
prevention program today by following our Ten Commandments for Fighting Deadly
Computer Viruses.
For free downloads of
fixes for already infected computers:
http://www.symantec.com/avcenter/tools.list.html
For free online scanning service (PC only):
http://housecall.antivirus.com
To see if a
virus threat is real or a hoax:
http://www.wildlist.org/WildList
Copresco
will be open for Good Friday, March 29.
We wish you all a
happy Easter weekend.
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