What is a Firewall?

A firewall is a component of software that filters out viruses, worms and any other threats trying to invade your PC via the Internet. All computer users should activate a firewall and purchase antispyware and antivirus software as well. Firewalls are essential, but do not necessarily protect against the highly advanced threats created every day. Things can get tricky in a multi-computer household or if you are part of a large computer network such as a university. In a household setting, be sure to utilize a router which will protect every computer; in addition, activate a firewall on each individual computer. In a large computer network a policy usually exists to keep all computers safe. A network administrator can help field any questions about firewall protection and whether a user needs to activate one.

Virus Recovery

Unfortunately once a computer has been infected by a virus it's not safe to continue using the system. In most cases the only way to remedy a virus infection is to completely reinstall the Operating System. However there are some options for those of you who have been infected and wish to recover your system the best way possible.

Obviously, it's extremely important to remove the virus as your first step. If your operating system is Windows XP you may be able to use the System Restore function to restore your system to the way it was prior to virus infection. Sometimes, the severity of the virus makes even system restore impossible.

Again, Operating system reinstallation will need to occur if all other attempts fail. When you reinstall the OS the hard drive is erased. This is obviously a drastic choice as you will lose all data that has not been backed up, but also the only way to be sure that your system will remain clean.

What kind of files can spread viruses?

Viruses have the potential to infect any type of executable code, not just the files that are commonly called 'program files'. For example, some viruses infect executable code in the boot sector of floppy disks or insystem areas of hard drives. Another type of virus, known as a 'macro'virus, can infect word processing and spreadsheet documents that use macros. And it's possible for HTML documents containing JavaScript or other types of executable code to spread viruses or other malicious code.Since virus code must be executed to have any effect, files that thecomputer treats as pure data are safe. This includes graphics and soundfiles such as .gif, .jpg, .mp3, .wav, etc., as well as plain text in .txtfiles. For example, just viewing picture files won't infect your computerwith a virus. The virus code has to be in a form, such as an .exe programfile or a Word .doc file, that the computer will actually try to execute.

Information lifted from: http://www.faqs.org/faqs/computer-virus/new-users/

Report Viruses

If your system has been infected by a virus or you've successfully eluded a virus you could help many other computer users by reporting it. There are virus reporters out there that keep track of "in the wild" viruses. In the wild simply means that a virus is still out in the computer world, infecting computers and no one has reported it or attempted to stop the virus. Let the reporters know and the web will be a safer place for everyone. Go to this site to see the contact information for a virus reporter in your region: http://www.wildlist.org/R_email.htm

Be careful with those flash drives!

Well, flash drives are great, portable storage. However, a bad bug is going around and it's moving with the help of flash drives and floppy disks. A malware creation spreads through memory sticks. The SillyFD-AA Worm copies itsself from infected machines onto your flash drive or removable disk. The next time you hook the storage device into a computer it starts moving and infecting that system. A hidden file is able to automatically run into a computer system from the removable media. It's believed that flash drives given out for free samples and at various trade shows is a mode of attack now for virus and malware creators. If you receive a free flash drive, proceed with caution, you could be infecting your computer!

Am I Infected?

Watch for these warning signs that a virus has infiltrated your system. Strange error messages, images or noises are tell-tale signs pointing to infection. Dwindling computer memory and slow operation also indicated infection. Some of your files or programs may go missing or main components may be damaged.

So if you are fearing the worst for your computer, first make sure your antivirus software is updated and run a scan. If you don't have antivirus software you should install it immediately. From then on be wary of unknown emails, questionable pop ups and minimize downloading from a P2p network like Ares or LimeWire.

Plain Text: Safer Emails

Another trick to avoid virus infection is to read emails only in plain text. Many computer users are duped into believing email scams because of the seemingly professional images and logos that virus and phishing developers use. When the fancy logos and graphics are taken away, it's much easier to spot the fraudulent emails.

How, you ask, can I configure my Outlook Express to read in plain text?

1. Go to Tools
2. Select the "Read" tab
3. Hit send
4. Select "plain text"
5. Apply the settings and go.