There have been more virus attacks in 2006 than in any full year previously so you have to take the threat seriously. This article assumes that the reader has at least some knowledge or experience of computer viruses. In this article, we focus on what you can do to prevent an attack. If you are unfortunate to actually suffer a virus attack, contact us for more advice on safe removal or healing.

TIPS TO PREVENT VIRUS INFECTION

1. KEEP WINDOWS UPDATED
Microsoft regularly release updates to their Windows operating system software. Many of these updates are released in order to counter the threat from know virus attacks such as the Sasser virus. PCs with Windows 2000 and XP were vulnerable to attack via an open Internet connection for as long as the Windows system remained out of date. Although updates can take a long time to download from the Internet with a dial connection, Home PC Services strongly recommends that users keep their PC updated by using the automatic download feature. It is normally possible to manually check for updates by going to Start -> Windows Update or Start -> All Programs -> Windows Update on most computers.

2. INSTALL ANTI-VIRUS SOFTWARE AND KEEP IT UPDATED
It is essential that all computers be protected through the installation of a quality anti-virus product. Even if you never connect to the Internet, your computer is still at risk through the exchange of portable media such as floppy disks and CDs. If you do use the Internet, it is absolutely vital that the software be active and up to date at all times. We recommend AVG products - there is a free version AVG which can be downloaded from their web site at www.grisoft.com and an improved and more flexible Professional version AVG 7.5 which costs from £33 for a two year license. Contact us if you require more information or wish to purchase a copy of AVG 7.

Once installed, the software will act as a gatekeeper to all incoming data via the Internet and also check the “boot sector” (the start up processes) of your PC each time it starts. AVG products can also check portable media (floppy disks and CDs) before anything is copied on to the computer.

3. NEVER OPEN E-MAIL ATTACHMENTS
We recognise that this may not be practical but we certainly recommend that you never open an attachment if you don’t know the sender and also be suspicious even if you do. Only open attachments if you know who it is from and are expecting it. E-mail attachments are probably the largest single source of computer viruses and their risk cannot be overstated. It is possible to save attachments to another location on your computer (e.g. desktop) and use your anti-virus software to scan the attachment prior to opening. We recommend you learn how to do this.

If you have a ”family” computer, make sure all users (especially the children) understand the risks of e-mail attachments and agree a family policy about opening them.

Most virus writers have a common target - the Microsoft Corporation. You are the innocent victims of a war against this massive global company. One way to avoid or at least minimise the risk is to use software that is not produced by Microsoft. For example, the majority of e-mail users will be using Outlook Express or Outlook as their e-mail “client” software. If you switch to Eudora (visit http://www.eudora.com for details) as your e-mail “client”, you will reduce the risk considerably.

Another method is to use “web mail”. Ask your Internet Service Provider if they provide a web mail facility. This means you may view, open, reply and forward e-mails at their web site without the need to download to your computer. Unless you subsequently download attachments, this practice will also minimise the risk.

On a similar theme is the idea of using a web based e-mail address such as hotmail or yahoo. With these services, it is normal practice to view, open, reply and forward e-mails at their web site without them ever going near to your computer.

Finally, be on the look out for attachments with a double file extension. An image will normally have a file extension of “.jpg” and a Word document will be “.doc”. Some viruses will be contained in attachments with double file extensions to try to fool the viewer in to opening them. For example a file attachment called “britney.jpg.vbs” or “love_letter_for_you.doc.exe” may be tempting but don’t be fooled.

4. SUBSCRIBE TO AN E-MAIL ALERT SERVICE
Be more aware of viruses and their “payloads” by subscribing to an e-mail alert service such as the one offered by anti-virus company Sophos. Visit www.sophos.com/virusinfo/notifications for more details.

There are many other techniques that can be employed too but some of these are for more advanced users. If you are interested in learning more, contact us for information on our training packages and computer settings adjustment services.