Computer viruses are small software programs that are designed to spread from one computer to another and to interfere with computer operation.

A virus might corrupt or delete data on your computer, use your e-mail program to spread itself to other computers, or even erase everything on your hard disk.

Viruses are most easily spread by attachments in e-mail messages or instant messaging messages. That is why it is essential that you never open e-mail attachments unless you know who it's from and you are expecting it.

Viruses can be disguised as attachments of funny images, greeting cards, or audio and video files.

Viruses also spread through downloads on the Internet. They can be hidden in illicit software or other files or programs you might download.

TIPS:

1.    Keep a regular backup of your important files (on floppy, zip disk, writeable CD, tape, another hard disk, M: drive, etc.)

2.    Be aware that most current viruses arrive as e-mail attachments. Be very suspicious of any attachment that has any of the following file extensions: .exe .vbs .scr .vbe .com .bat .shs .cpl .dll .ocx .pif .drv .lnk .bin .sys .eml .nws (do not click on attachment files whose names end with any of the above)

These attachments almost always arrive from someone you know (without that person's knowledge), so attachments are not safe just because you know the sender. Note: Opening the mail itself is safe, but clicking on any attachment can spread the virus instantly. A good practice is to limit the number of attachments you use. Some documents can be sent by cutting and pasting them into an email this will eliminate an attachment. If you are sending an email with an attachment its good practice to send an email or call the person to inform them that you are sending them an email with an attachment.

3.    Update your virus scan program now if you haven't done it for over a month. Update the virus definition files regularly, typically once a week but no less than once a month. Our network will auto update your virus software and your computer should be left turned on overnight about once a week.

4.    It is impossible for any anti-virus program to protect against all new viruses, so your best protection is to be very cautious about opening e-mail attachments.

The number one cause of viruses being spread on networks is user mistakes. User mistakes tend to be opening email attachments and clicking on links that contain a virus. Most viruses are easy to prevent with following some simple rules.