Question:
I
bought Anti-Virus software for my computer, and I thought that was all I
needed to protect my computer from viruses. However, a colleague mentioned
something about keeping it "updated". What does
that mean?
This is a question I get asked many times by my clients. Many people
are under the impression that once they buy Anti-Virus software, they are
automatically protected from any virus that might be spread to your
computer via copied files or email. However, depending on which program
you purchase, this couldn't be further from
the truth!
The fact is, there are so many viruses out there that it is impossible
to count them all. That is why I
always recommend to my clients that they think twice before opening any
executable file (.exe file) which may be attached to an email message.
These are the biggest culprits that can spread a damaging virus to not
only your computer, but also many times the same virus will automatically
spread to everyone in your e-mail address book!
It is also possible to inadvertently "import" a virus into
your computer by copying files, games, or software programs from a CD or
flash drive. Beware of unlabeled disks provided to you
by a friend or a friend of a friend. These often will contain unwanted
viruses!
The only way to protect your computer from being damaged by a virus is
by installing Anti-Virus software. There are several products on the
market, but I personally recommend NOD32 by
www.eset.com.
The software costs less than $40.00 and is worth its weight in gold in the
event a virus is downloaded into your computer.
Other Anti-Virus software programs require you
to manually update it's "Virus Definitions". With
NOD32, that is unnecessary. It runs quite seamlessly in the
background.
Don't be fooled into thinking that you can't get a virus if you don't
open any executable file attachments (.exe files) in your e-mail. Like a
human virus, there are many ways a virus can work its way into your
computer. So please, protect your computer; purchase NOD32
soon!
The "EffEx Tip" of the Month:
If you receive an attachment to an e-mail message, and you have any
doubt whatsoever about where the file came from, why you received it, or
what it might be, DO NOT OPEN IT. No
joke, funny picture, game or cute program is worth the risk of destroying
all the valuable information on your computer, and possibly also spreading
a virus to your family, friends, and business associates who are in your
address book.
