March 19, 2001

Our first discussion forum will cover computer viruses.  As of March 15, 2001 we are fast approaching almost 50,000 known computer viruses.

In the past we have seemed to have periods of time when viruses were causing problems and then it would quiet down for several months before we would have another rash of virus problems.  That all seems to be changing for the worse.

I've been busy for almost 3 months now eradicating viruses.  We are also starting to see a lot more nasty viruses and also many viruses which the antivirus programs will catch, but some of the things the virus does has to be manually removed.

If you know you have a virus or someone tells you that you have one, it is probably best if you don't continue to use your computer since some of the viruses will get worse as time goes on.  I've had three clients whose computers were disabled from viruses and several where we had to format and start over.

There are a lot of virus programs on the market but I usually recommend two, McAfee and Norton.  I tend to favor Norton since the Norton Antivirus 2001 will automatically update in the background every time you are on the Internet or checking e-mail and Norton's update policy is better than McAfee's.  You can click here to go to my downloads page to update virus definitions for both programs and also to access their web sites to get information on the different viruses.

So, the first thing to do is install the antivirus program.  Remember, if you already have a virus, you probably won't have any luck installing an antivirus program since usually the viruses will attack the program before it can fight back.  After installing it, make sure the options are set to scan all files and run in auto-protect mode. Also make sure it is setup to scan e-mail.

NOTE: It is best not to have your e-mail program set to use a preview pane because this automatically opens all mail and makes it easier to get a virus.

Most people are under the false impression you have to open an attachment in order to get a virus.  Some of the new viruses infect your computer just by checking your mail.  I received a virus from someone who I didn't even get an e-mail from.  I don't know who, I just know it was someone on Maui Net.

It is up to you, but as far as I'm concerned, it is not necessary to scan your computer once you know it is clean and you keep your antivirus software running all the time and make sure it is checking all files and not just program files.  If your antivirus program tells you a virus has been detected, don't panic.

First, write down the information on what file or files are infected and what the name of the virus is.  Always let the antivirus program try to repair the infected file(s).  Usually they can be cleaned and then they are OK.

If the program can't clean them, put them in quarantine and call me.  If they are just files which came in an e-mail they should be deleted. If they are Windows system files, new files must be extracted from the Windows setup disk and then the infected files should be deleted. 

You must also be careful because if Windows system files are involved, you might not want to shut the computer down or it may not start back up without the system files it needs. 

The two things I can't get people to do is back up their data and update virus definitions.  Many people learn the hard way on both issues.  Don't shoot the messenger, I'd rather make a visit to train on using software than to repair virus problems or try to explain why everything is gone since it wasn't backed up.

Backups and antivirus take so little time but can prevent real headaches later.  I'm not sure what McAfee is charging now but Costco has Norton Antivirus 2001 for $29.99, half the price if you buy it on Norton's web site.  The auto updates are good for one year and $4.00 a year thereafter.  Cheap insurance.

Just remember, there is nothing 100% safe.  You can still have virus problems even with antivirus software.  Always plan for the worst and stay away from e-mails sent to dozens of different people and layered several e-mails deep.  It's just best to delete those e-mails to be safe. Click here for more virus info.

what issues are important to you and if there are topics you would like to see addressed in the future.