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We’ve all heard
of “The week of the worms”. That was the week of August 11 through
August 18, 2003 when three viruses/worms took the computer world by storm.
They’re the Blaster, Welchie and SoBig. Hundreds of thousands of
personal and business computers worldwide were infected.
Here’s
the tip… IF YOU USE THE NET YOU MUST HAVE VIRUS PROTECTION.
Currently
there are over 65,000 infections out there. You can be infected by opening
email or visiting an infected WEB Site.
Viruses
generally cause damage to your computer such as erasing your hard drive,
deleting data or destroying your computer’s BIOS. Either way they can
ruin your day and your business. Especially if you don’t have backups.
Worms take
advantage of a known defect in your operating system, (Windows 95, 98, ME,
2000 and XP.), or in your WEB browser, and allow a hacker or hacker’s
software to infiltrate your computer. Once “in” the hacker will use
your computer to send ‘spam’ or pornographic mail to thousands of
others and infect those computers as well as everyone’s in your address
book. The hacker has access to information you have on your computer.
Social Security, driver’s license, credit card numbers, etc. Have you
heard of Identity Theft?
Viruses and worms are a part of the world wide web community. If
you surf the World Wide WEB you must have virus protection. About half of
all computers coming into our shop are infected. Some viruses lie dormant
for a time and then strike, others act immediately.
There are many
AntiVirus protection programs available. Two of the most popular are
Symantec, (Norton) and McAfee. Both will vary from about $40 to $60
depending on sales and rebates. Installation is moderately easy if you are
comfortable working with computers. If not… your local computer guru can
install it for you. Usually at a modest cost. Most computer shops stock
AntiVirus software. But beware… Just buying and installing anti virus
software is only the beginning. You must keep it updated constantly. All
reputable Virus protection software carries a one year, FREE, update
program. Just make sure it’s turned on. Three to five new viruses are
usually discovered each week and your free update will protect you against
these.
If
you get hit by a virus or worm and do not have protection you can expect
to pay $100 to $300 to have it removed. Worst case you may loose your data
and / or computer. AntiVirus software is inexpensive insurance. Can you
afford to loose everything in your computer? |
