Classroom using the web

Security against Viruses and other Net Nasties

Classroom

[ introduction ]
[ top tips ]

[ introduction ]
[ top tips ]

[ introduction ]
[ top tips ]

Security against Viruses and other Net Nasties

One of the major downsides of using the Internet is the fact that it opens your computer up to a possible virus infection.

The aim of a computer virus is to get into your computer, replicate itself and then pass itself on to infect other computers. Some viruses do little, except leave annoying little calling card type messages from their programmer, whilst others (famous examples include the Anna Kournikova and Love Bug viruses) can cause huge amounts of damage to your computer. There are loads of different types of viruses out there, with hundreds of variations being written every day. Despite this rather bleak outlook, there are certain things you can do to avoid a virus attack. Here are our top tips:

1. The most important, and simplest thing to do is install an anti virus program. There are loads of different programs out there, and some of them are even free, so there is no excuse for not having some kind of anti virus protection installed. And make sure you keep downloading the updates to your program. It will save a lot of heartache in the long run!

2. Once you have your anti virus softwareŠ use it! This sounds obvious, but scan *every* new file you download with your software before you open them.

3. Donšt open an email attachment if you donšt know who sent it. Donšt accept files from people you chat with online ­ just because youšve spoken to them twice doesnšt mean they arenšt dodgy.

4. Even if you do know who sent an attachment, if you werenšt expecting them to send anything and the subject line and message body doesnšt explain what the attachment is, donšt open it without double checking first. Some viruses send messages to everyone in the address book of the computer they have infected. Also watch out for the file name ­ if it is .vbs, .shs or even .exe be on your guard.

5. Make regular and thorough back ups of everything you do on your computer. Youšll only regret it otherwise.

Always err on the side of caution. Better to be safe than sorry and all thatŠ

Some things which could show that your computer has been infected by a virus:

* You start getting unusual messages or pictures on screen, or unusual sounds or music start playing at odd moments.
* Some of your files are suddenly missing or donšt open or work properly anymore..
* The names of files or disks on your system have been changed.
* New (and unknown) programs have appeared which you didnšt install
* You start getting error messages saying you donšt have enough memory or disk space when you had enough before

If you have got some of these symptoms, the first thing to do is not panic. Run your anti virus software and see what it picks up. Follow the softwarešs instructions on how to clean up your machine. Then delete the files which infected your system so it wonšt happen again. You might need to format your hard drive and reinstall all your software (this isnšt as traumatic as it sounds). You should also contact everyone you have emailed to let them know that you may have inadvertently infected them.

Top Tips

Check out www.download.com and do a search for anti virus programs to find the latest ones available. If you can afford to buy an anti virus package these often give you more frequent updates. Check out companies like Doctor Solomon, Mcafee, and Norton who all have well respected anti-virus software. Check out their websites for downloads for free trial periods etc.

For all the information you could ever want about viruses click on http://www.symantec.com/avcenter/virus.backgrounder.html

You will sometimes receive emails sent from well meaning friends about the latest dangerous virus and an instruction to forward this on to everyone you know. Generally these kinds of emails are hoaxes which play on the fact that people are very worried about dangerous new viruses.

And now you're ready for the next tutorial!
You've got Mail -- Getting to grips with email.