'VIRUS'...a threat to our computer

Viruses are everywhere in today’s complex computing environment. It’s not a question any more of “IF” you will get one or not. You will eventually get one or several. It’s just a question of time so be prepared. Frequently, the initial sign of a computer virus infection is unstableness. A lot of viruses wipe out the boot sector of a hard disk drive, making it hopeless and near impossible to start. That’s why it's a bright idea to make a Windows start-up disk when you first bring your PC home. Don’t leave it until you’re facing a virus before taking this important step to protect yourself. To create a Startup Disk open: * Start-Settings-Control Panel-Add/Remove Programs At this point, locate the Start Up Disk tab and begin the procedure using a blank floppy disk. Virus protection requires constant watchfulness so virus scanning software is a must have tool in your anti-virus arsenal. Virus scanners rely upon a well maintained and frequently updated list of virus signatures in order to have the ability to identify viruses. These signatures are stored in a DAT file. DAT files should be updated weekly from the website of your antivirus software manufacturer. Well known antivirus programs include McAfee VirusScan by Network Associates ( www.nai.com ) and Norton AntiVirus made by Symantec ( www.symantec.com ). My personal choice in this category is Anti-Virus Plus by ParetoLogic. It’s not as well known but it has identified and eliminated viruses on my own computer when the better known brands couldn’t.