Has your computer been invaded by a virus lately? Do you realize how much damage a single virus can do if it gets into your computer?
Recently I've heard reports from family, close friends, and business associates about their experiences when their computers were "invaded" by a virus. Once the virus is in your computer, you would be surprised how difficult it is to remove it. You think the virus has been removed but yet it keeps coming back to haunt you. One of my business associates continues to be plagued with his virus weeks after he found it in his computer. Even the experts are unable to help him get rid of it completely.
How do these viruses get into the computers of family members who don't spend that much time online? Most viruses use email to get from one computer to another. In most cases the virus is picked up by someone without virus protection on their computer from an infected source. They in turn send an email to a friend, not realizing that the virus has embedded itself into their email program. Now the second party has the virus and is passing it along with every message they send.
How will you know you have a virus in your computer? Your computer will begin crashing or doing any number of weird things. You may even have problems starting up your computer.
How can you get rid of the virus? You will need to contact a computer-savvy person who knows how viruses act and what is necessary to get rid of them. Even though they have had experience eradicating viruses, it may take them days - and even weeks - to completely remove the virus from your computer.
If you don't know anyone who is able to help you get rid of a virus, there are online services that provide step-by-step instructions on how to do it yourself. One of these services is Norton Utilities at: http://www.sarc.com . On the Norton site, they identify each virus by name and description and lead you to the information you'll need to try to remove the virus.
How can you protect your computer from virus attacks? Be sure to install a good anti-virus program. There are many on the market and you should install one of these programs as soon as you get your computer. However, you must regularly update your virus program if you want to be sure you are completely protected. If you neglect to do this, you can still become a victim of a virus even with the virus program on your computer.
What about virus warnings? We are constantly being bombarded with virus warnings by email. When you receive one of these warnings, what should you do? The first thing you should do is check if the virus warning is "for real" or if it is a hoax. To check this, you can go to the Norton site at: http://www.sarc.com . If you find out that the virus is a real one, then you should forward the information to friends and associates. But do be careful. You may be sending a virus from your computer to everyone in your address book if your computer is already infected.
Recently I responded to one of these virus warnings by forwarding the warning to one of my newsletter mailing lists without checking on its authenticity. You can imagine how embarrassed I was when I began to get replies informing me that the virus was a hoax. I should have done my homework and checked out the virus first.
I later learned that someone who received the warning from me forwarded it to all her friends and online acquaintances along with a virus she had on her computer.
When deciding whether or not to send a warning, it may be best not to send the warning by email. Pick up the phone if you feel it's important to pass on the information.
Doris Hermon, publisher of "Online Messenger", features articles on internet marketing and related topics in her D-Pendable Library at: http://www.d-pendablelibrary.com Subscribe to "Online Messenger" today at: http://www.dpent.com/omsubscribe.htm
