This document will teach you how to guard against computer viruses and how
to recognize potential virus infection.
Definitions
Antivirus Software: programs that detect viruses and repair or remove files from computers that have been infected (also known as virus scanners).
Extension:
the letters after the name of a file that tells your computer what type
of file it is. Example: file_name.doc is a Word document, whereas
file_name.pdf is a PDF document.
Risk Factors
Computers are at a high risk of virus infection when they are:
- frequently used by more than one person
- regularly used to download files from e-mail attachments or web sites
Your
best defense is to install and use a reputable antivirus software
package that can check for viruses every time you expose your computer
to new files.
General Precautions
Make these following tips part of your daily work habit to decrease the potential of a computer virus outbreak in your office.
- Be aware of who comes in contact with your computers. All of
your hard work to prevent a virus attack will be in vain if other people
who are careless about viruses are allowed access to your computer.
- Pay attention to where disks or CDs are being used. Disks and
recordable CDs can carry viruses. Make it a habit to share files only
with those people you know to be conscientious of virus protection.
Always scan disks or CDs with antivirus software when borrowing from
unknown sources. Commercial disks and CDs that are distributed by software
developers are generally safe.
- Make certain to download only from verified sources. Is that
e-mail attachment you are about to open a file you are expecting, or
is it a virus in disguise? It only takes a few minutes to write an e-mail
to the sender asking to verify that they did intend to send you an attachment.
- Be aware of file extensions. Some extensions, such as .vbs
or .js, would rarely ever be needed for the average computer user -
but they are commonly used by programmers to spread viruses. Other extensions,
such as .exe or .zip, are not uncommon but can also be virus carriers
- Become familiar with the general operations of your computers,
this will enable you to detect when something unusual happens.
Note Changes
If you begin to notice:
- unusual error messages,
- slower response times,
- file names being changed,
- printed documents not displaying proper formats,
- any other quirks that weren't happening in the past
Any of these symptoms could be caused by a virus. If you think this
may be the case, refer to What
to Do if You Have a Virus for more information.
Install Virus Protection Software
As
file sharing and downloading are common modes of operation for even the
smallest organizations, it is highly recommended that antivirus
software be installed on all your computers.
This software can:
- alert you to viruses before they are activated on your computer;
- repair files that have already been affected by viruses.
Refer to Choosing Antivirus
Software for more information.
Fact
number of new viruses doubles every year, with a major virus like Melissa or the Love Bug showing up each month. |
