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please select a FAQ question:
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How does a computer get infected? |
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Viruses are most easily spread by attachments in e-mail messages or instant messaging messages. That is why it is essential that you never open e-mail attachments unless you know who it's from and you are expecting it.
Viruses can be disguised as attachments of funny images, greeting cards, or audio and video files.
Viruses also spread through downloads on the Internet. They can be hidden in illicit software or other files or programs you might download.
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. To help avoid viruses, it's essential that you keep your computer current with the latest updates and antivirus tools, stay informed about recent threats, and that you follow a few basic rules when you surf the Internet, download files, and open attachments.
Some Software i found helpful.
www.webroot.com
Once a virus is on your computer, its type or the method it used to get there is not as important as removing it and preventing further infection.
Steps to help avoid viruses: 1. | Use an Internet firewall (Note: Windows XP with SP2 has a firewall already built-in and turned on by default). | 2. | Visit Microsoft Update and turn on automatic updating. Note: If you've installed Office 2003 or Office XP, Automatic Updates will also update your Office programs. If you have an earlier version of Office, use Office Update. | 3. | Subscribe to industry standard antivirus software. | 4. | Never open an e-mail attachment from someone you don't know. | 5. | Avoid opening an e-mail attachment from someone you know, unless you know exactly what the attachment is. The sender may be unaware that it contains a virus. |
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How do i know if i have been infected? |
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After you open and run an infected program or attachment on your computer, you might not realize that you've introduced a virus until you notice something isn't quite right.
Here are a few primary indicators that your computer might be infected:
1. | Your computer runs more slowly than normal | 2. | Your computer stops responding or locks up often | 3. | Your computer crashes and restarts every few minutes | 4. | Your computer restarts on its own and then fails to run normally | 5. | Applications on your computer don't work correctly | 6. | Disks or disk drives are inaccessible | 7. | You can't print correctly | 8. | You see unusual error messages | 9. | You see distorted menus and dialog boxes |
These are common signs of infection—but they might also indicate hardware or software problems that have nothing to do with a virus. Unless you run the Microsoft Malicious Software Removal Tool and install industry-standard, up-to-date antivirus software on your computer, there is no way to be certain if your computer is infected with a virus or not. Tip: Beware of messages warning you that you sent e-mail that contained a virus. This can indicate that the virus has listed your e-mail address as the sender of tainted e-mail. This does not necessarily mean you have a virus. Some viruses have the ability to forge e-mail addresses.
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