Virus Tips

Below you will find some tips to help avoid computer viruses.

Please note - IDL cannot provide support for Virus Scanners, the information below is only intended as a guide.

Get Protected on the Internet

Virus Scanner - Every computer that connects to the Internet MUST have a working up to date Virus Scanner. Be 100% sure your Virus protection software is working and up to date! IDL recommends AVG Anti-Virus* for more information click here.

What is a Virus?

A Virus is a computer program that is designed to interfere with a computer's Hardware and Software (Operating System i.e. Windows). Viruses can be self-replicating (ability to clone itself), and can attach themselves to any outgoing e-mail you send, or they can create an entirely new e-mail message which can be sent to all people in your e-mail program's address book. 

Like any other computer program a virus must be "launched" for it to function, i.e. you must activate it by either opening an attachment or executing a program. Once a virus has been "launched" the computer must follow the instructions of the Viruses "payload" (these are the instructions that the virus carries). This payload can disrupt programs or the computer from running and in some cases can stop the computer from running at all.

How do I get a Virus?

The most common way that viruses are sent are via attachments in e-mail's. If you are using Outlook Express you will notice a paperclip in the messages that carry attachments. Not all attachments have viruses on them, but a general rule of thumb is :- If you were not expecting an e-mail with an attachment on it just delete it. 

Scan your system regularly. If you're just loading anti-virus software for the first time, it's a good idea to let it scan your entire system. It's better to start with your PC clean and free of virus problems. Often the antivirus program can be set to scan each time the computer is rebooted or on a periodic schedule. Some will scan in the background while you are connected to the Internet. Make it a regular habit to scan for viruses.

Update your anti-virus software. Now that you have virus protection software installed, make sure it's up-to-date. Some antivirus protection programs have a feature that will automatically link to the Internet and add new virus detection code whenever the software vendor discovers a new threat.

"Don't open attachments!"
One of the best ways to prevent virus infections is not to open attachments. Even if the email is from a known source, be careful. A few viruses take the mailing lists from an infected computer and send out new messages with its destructive payload attached. Always scan the attached files first for viruses. Unless it's a file or an image you are expecting, delete it.

Although there is the  threat of Computer Viruses there is no need to panic whenever you are on the Internet or receiving any e-mail. A little common sense goes a long way when it comes to this issue.

*IDL Internet is an affliliate for AVG Anitvirus