What is a Virus?

A virus is a program or piece of code that is loaded onto a users computer without their knowledge and runs against their wishes. Viruses can also replicate themselves. All computer viruses are manmade. A simple virus that can make a copy of itself over and over again is relatively easy to produce. Even such a simple virus is dangerous because it will quickly use all available memory and bring the system to a halt. An even more dangerous type of virus is one capable of transmitting itself across networks and bypassing security systems.

Virus Prevention Tips

1. Practice safe computing. Use Norton's RealTime Protection feature to scan floppy disks, your hard drive and downloaded files. Use Norton's LiveUpdate feature to keep your antivirus software up to date.
   
   
2. Treat all e-mail attachments as potential virus threats. Never open an attachment by double clicking it. Always save it to your hard drive and open it from within the corresponding application, such as Microsoft Word for .doc files.
   
   
3. If you're not expecting an attachment, call or reply to the sender before opening it to make sure they intended to send it to you and know what it is. Delete any attachment you cannot verify with the sender. Newer viruses can mail themselves using a person's e-mail address book.
   
   
4. If you have any doubts at all, delete the mail message and ask the sender to give you the attachment on disk or via the web.
   
   
5. Back up regularly. Even the rules above cannot keep you completely safe. When a new virus appears it can take a day or more for antivirus manufacturers to respond to the threat and make a fix available.

Thanks to Peter C.S. Adams, University of Massachusetts Boston for these virus prevention tips.