Sree's Thoughts on Viruses
Sunday, May 4, 2001

At this time last year, the world was recovering from the "I Love You" computer virus that destroyed files in homes and big companies alike. Earlier this year, a lot of systems, including the one belonging to WABC, were brought to a standstill because of the Anna Kornikova virus.

WHY VIRUS OUTBREAKS SEEM SO COMMON:
1. The technology to create viruses is easily available and is cheap, so it is relatively easy to make them.
2. Millions of new people on e-mail means there are more people likely to fall prey to viruses and to forward them
3. Too many software packages are being released without being tested properly, allowing for security holes.

WHY THE BATTLE AGAINST VIRUSES WILL NEVER BE WON:
It's always going to be a struggle. Just as fast as the anti-virus companies develop ways to fight them, people keep coming up with new viruses.

Tips...

INSTALL VIRUS PROTECTION SOFTWARE:
Get virus protection software, and check for updates regularly. You get what you pay for, and it's worth the investment -- as little as $30.

DON'T FORWARD VIRUS ALERTS:
Never forward those alerts you get. These virus alert -- almost always a hoax -- are a sort of virus in themselves, clogging up the Internet... Even if they are from someone you trust. If you must forward it to someone, send it to your network administrator.

BE CAREFUL WITH ATTACHMENTS:
Attachments are an easy way to spread viruses. Try to send plain-text e-mail all the time -- I never accept attachments if I can help it.

BACKUP EVERYTHING:
The steps above are just a start. The only sure way to protect your files is to backup your work regularly onto removal storage drives such as Zip disks (many new PCs come with Zip drives built-in. Otherwise get your own. The drives run about $80 and the disks $10 each)

VISIT THESE SITES
(my first stops for virus info):

Vmyths.com
http://www.vmyths.com

About.com
http://antivirus.about.com

Snopes.com
http://www.snopes.com

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