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Viruses are a growing problem on the Internet. Sophisticated virus developers are writing programs which propagate themselves and inhibit removal efforts. Two essential ways to protect your system against viruses and limit the adverse effects should your computer become infected-- get anti-virus software and backup your files.

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Viruses are strings of code or programs which, after being loaded on to a computer, alter the performance of that computer. They often delete files, and can even remove or change large portions of a computer's operating system.

"Macro viruses" are computer viruses embedded as code in Microsoft Word documents. These viruses will be activated each time the containing document is opened, such as opening an attachment in one's email. Some estimates state that 75% of viruses today are macro viruses.

With increasing frequency viruses are sent by (formerly) trusted correspondents. In most of these cases it is written into the virus to not only transmit copies of itself by using email address books, but also to do such things as to change the subject and or sender lines of the potentially infectious email (making it more difficult to filter potential virus infected messages), or to affect operating systems in such a way as to prevent the user from being able to visit anti-virus sites.

Anti-virus software has been available since at least 1987. Such software usually must be purchased and frequently updated in order to keep up with the evolution and creation of new viruses. The ability to update or to add "virus definitions" is usually included in the initial purchase price, although some updates require a subscription fee.

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STEPS TO VIRUS PROTECTION:   Cruzio suggest three steps essential to protecting yourself against the effects of computer viruses: 1. Be aware of the source of any attachments you receive in email. If you don't know the source of an attachment, don't open it. And even if an email with an attachment is from a friend, it may still contain a virus. It never hurts to contact the sender of a message before opening it, to be sure they sent it intentionally. If this seems like a waste of time, consider how long it might take to restore your entire operating system, not to mention the files you may not be able to replace. Which takes us to #2. 2. Backup your files regularly and frequently. If you've made an important change to a file, or have received a file that will be difficult to replace, back it up immediately. It is also very important to have a copy of the installation media for your operating system. After being hit by a virus it is frequently necessary to remove and restore your complete operating system. 3. Get anti-virus software. Most anti-virus software must be purchased, however there are some resources online for anti-virus freeware. Anti-virus software is effective only to the extent that each new update is installed. Sign up for the updates and install them. Please see "More Resources" to the left for more information and virus protection software.