Protecting Your Computer Against Viruses
December 20, 2006 - by Guenter Gamauf

New free version of AVG 7.5 can be found from the link on the Bits and Bytes Website.
http://www.bitsbytes.ca/links.htm

• check under Computers
• Grisoft (producers of Internet Security Software)
• You can download free or commercial version from the AVG Webpage.

Can also purchase Norton Antivirus or MacAffee (Approximate cost $70)

• with these programs you receive a one year subscription for free updates
• subsequent yearly subscriptions are about $35 per year

Check for program updates for whichever Anti Virus program you choose

• Make sure that your definitions are kept up to date
• Definitions are what your Anti Virus software uses to identify viruses
• Without these definitions, you are not protected against new viruses
• In AVG, these definitions are called the Virus Database
• Any of these programs will automatically check for updates while you are on line
• Is is still important to do a manual check for updates so you get any improvements made to these programs

NOTE: The sending and receiving of e-mail will be slowed down somewhat by these programs since they check each e-mail that is sent and received for any viruses.

Virus Hoaxes

If someone sends you an e-mail warning about a virus to check for on your computer, check it out on the Internet first. One place is Sumantec (Norton):
http://www.symantec.com/enterprise/security_response/threatexplorer/risks/hoaxes.jsp

DON’T make any changes on your computer until you check to see if it’s a hoax or not. You could be damaging your own operating system.

Phishing E-mails

• NEVER open an e-mail from a bank or company asking about personal information
• The e-mail will ask you to confirm passwords etc at a seeming legitimate site
• Banks and Companies will NEVER send an e-mail requesting this information
• If you have an concerns about online finantial information, YOU contact the bank or company with a number that you know is legitimate.

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