Computer Resources Virus Information Page

Each month hundreds of new viruses are discovered. It is important that every person and business employ some type of virus scanning software and also utilize certain precautions when using the internet and email. We have created this page to better educate and assist you when dealing with the threat of virus attacks. If you would like to purchase an Anti-Virus program or if you have a virus and require us to remove it, please feel free to contact us.

This page has multiple sections, you may click any of the following links to go directly to that section.

| Update Your Virus Software | Online Virus Scan | Research A Virus |
| Detection & Prevention Tips | Additional Links |

Update Your Virus Software
Due to the fact that hundreds of viruses are discovered every month, it is important that you keep your anti-virus software updated. New virus definition files are being released once or twice a week. Computer Resources recommends that you update your virus definitions at least once a month.

Symantec/Norton Update

McAfee Update

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Online Virus Scan
Both McAfee and Symantec offer free online virus detection. These scans will tell you if you have a virus but will not allow you remove it. Removal requires purchasing an Anti-Virus program.

Symantec Online Scan

McAfee Online Scan

If your computer has been infected and you would like us to remove the virus, please bring it in for service or call us to set up an appointment.

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Research A Virus
It is very important to research a virus once you have been infected. Many viruses make changes to your computer that are not repairable by the anti-virus software. Researching the virus will give you some very valuable information. Some of the important information includes where the virus came, how it replicates itself, how damaging it is, what it really does when it infects you and how to remove it.
Both Symantec and McAfee have Virus Encyclopedia's that will allow you to search for the virus by name.

Symantec Virus Encyclopedia

McAfee Virus Information Library

Be sure to read the documents you find very carefully.

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Detection and Prevention Tips

1. Do not open any files attached to an email from an unknown, suspicious or untrustworthy source.
2. Do not open any files attached to an email unless you know what it is, even if it appears to come from a dear friend or someone you know. Some viruses can replicate themselves and spread through email. Better be safe than sorry and confirm that they really sent it.
3. Do not open any files attached to an email if the subject line is questionable or unexpected. If the need to do so is there always save the file to your hard drive before doing so.
4. Delete chain emails and junk email. Do not forward or reply to any to them. These types of email are considered spam, which is unsolicited, intrusive mail that clogs up the network.
5. Do not download any files from strangers.
6. Exercise caution when downloading files from the Internet. Ensure that the source is a legitimate and reputable one. Verify that an anti-virus program checks the files on the download site. If you're uncertain, don't download the file at all or download the file to a floppy and test it with your own anti-virus software.
7. Update your anti-virus software regularly. Over 500 viruses are discovered each month, so you'll want to be protected. These updates should be at the least the products virus signature files. You may also need to update the product's scanning engine as well.
8. Back up your files on a regular basis. If a virus destroys your files, at least you can replace them with your back-up copy. You should store your backup copy in a separate location from your work files, one that is preferably not on your computer.
9. When in doubt, always err on the side of caution and do not open, download, or execute any files or email attachments. Not executing is the more important of these caveats. Check with your product vendors for updates which include those for your operating system web browser, and email. One example is the security site section of Microsoft located at http://www.microsoft.com/security.
10. If you are in doubt about any potential virus related situation you find yourself in, please do not hesitate to contact us.

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Additional Links

Symantec's Main Anti-Virus Page
Symantec's Virus Removal Tools
Symantec's Virus/Email Hoax Page
McAfee's Main Anti-Virus Page

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If you need any additional assistance or have any questions,
please give us a call.