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ABOUT VIRUSES
ABOUT SPYWARE
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Information on Virus / Worms:

"It's important for computer users to understand that when you plug into the Internet, there's no one there to protect you," Chris Ruland of Internet Security Systems said. "You're responsible for protecting yourself."

WHAT IS A WORM?

A program that makes copies of itself --for example, from one disk drive to another, or by copying itself using e-mail or another transport mechanism.  Worms can also make multiple copies of themselves on your hard drive, in one instance over 1500 copies of the Klez worm was found on a customer's machine.

This worm can also make a hard drive un-repairable, therefore costing the consumer much more than just disinfecting their machines.

 
 
TIPS -
1.  Don't open files/attachments from people you don't know, or when not expected from people you do know.
2.  Be sure your virus program offers Email protection as well as protection when you are "on the net".
3.  Update your virus definitions frequently.  (or have a virus program that automatically updates)
4.  Your best investment - A good anti-virus program.  (if you don't purchase any other programs, purchase this one)
5.  Be sure your virus program scans your out-going mail, so that you don't forward viruses to friends and family.
6.  Don't open FWD's or forwarded Email. (those jokes, etc. that fly around the web)
7.  Don't delete your own system files unless you know exactly what you are doing.
8.  Don't believe Virus warnings sent to you by friends or family. (usually hoaxes)
 

 

How are viruses transmitted?  There are many methods to transmit viruses.  A large number are transmitted through Email by the average person who doesn't know that their Email message is infected. Some viruses send themselves, using your Email address book to discover addresses of people you write to.  Either way, it is most embarrassing to receive an Email from a friend stating that you have "sent me a virus".  They wouldn't know, unless they are concerned enough to have a good anti-virus program in place and update their protection frequently.  About 180,000 viruses now exist, having grown at a rate of around 600-700 new ones each month in 2002, similar to that of 2001.  The rate is now 800 TO 1000+ per month.

 
 
NOTE:  
1.  Un-install your current anti-virus program and re-boot before installing a new anti-virus program.
2.  Don't install two anti-virus programs at the same time.  Neither one will run, as they will see each other as a threat, and you could crash your computer.
3.  Update your .dat or .vdf files frequently if you have a program that requires manual up-dates, or purchase or install a program that up-dates automatically.  (Free anti-virus programs usually require manual up-dating.)
 

 

NOTE:  If these threats to your computer don't make you run out and get the latest anti-virus program, or assure that the program you have is up-to-date, nothing will.   We see new anti-virus programs on machines that were never registered by the customer.  If they are not registered, they don't protect your machine as their virus definition files could be one or two years old.  800 - 1,000 new viruses and worms are being written every month.  Many "Free" anti-virus programs require manual up-dating and as long as this is done routinely, they can be very effective

DOWNLOAD "FREE" PROGRAMS AND LOAD YOUR MACHINE WITH SPYWARE

(You then have become your own virus, worm, or Trojan)

No, that's not what you want to do, but that's what happens with many programs you download from the net.

What is spyware?   A NOTE:  Spyware has now become as big a problem for computer users as viruses.  Some systems coming into the shop have from 200 to 2,000 instances of spyware on their machines, each of them busily "calling home" and sending your personal information to others.  If you don't mind other people using YOUR computer to do THEIR work for them, then continue to load it up with all the spyware you can get!
Spyware is a small part of a "free" program that gathers information about your surfing or buying habits on the net, then transmits that data back to the program developers.  The developers are paid money to provide this information to 3rd parties, so they can target advertisements, pop-ups and Email to you that you may buy.  Other than spreading your internet surfing habits around the net for other people to view, they may have inherent problems that can cause you difficulty. KaaZa is a file sharing program (Napster clone) that allows users to download music, photos, movies, etc. from other users.  It can cause quite a problem with MOST computers.  KaaZa contains BRILLIANT SPYWARE (CYDOOR).  When you click the "I agree" button that contains that long form, that no one reads anyway, under "terms of use", you automatically agree to accept Brilliant spyware.  Brilliant tracks every site you click on the net.  The one thing it doesn't like to do is be uninstalled.  It attaches itself to your Windows operating system and becomes a permanent visitor on your computer, unless you visit a repair shop to get rid of it.   Even KaaZa Employees don't like their own program for the above reasons.

I have seen computers come into the shop that are so busy downloading multiple files that the user is unable to surf the net at all.  It is using all available resources and RAM which prevents Internet Explorer from opening web pages.  If you use a file sharing program, be frugal in it's use.  Do not attempt to download more than 3 songs at a time.  Remember, this is file sharing and someone else or multiple other users may be uploading from your computer simultaneously and suddenly there are no resources left for you to use.   Parents & Grandparents NOTE:  If your computer starts "acting funny" after the kids or Grandkids use it, they've probably loaded you up with downloads, spyware or goodness knows what else.  Instructing them to not download or install anything is the best rule, or a visit to the repair shop after they leave is your other option.  You could get a second computer which is exclusively for their use and they can use and abuse as they like..... when it stops responding due to the above reasons, tell them to take it to the repair shop....

This ad spying software uses a "Trojan Horse" to spy on your computer use.  A Trojan Horse is what the name implies, it looks like something harmless, but is something else entirely.  If you do download programs from the net, go to www.ZDnet.com as most of the "free" or shareware applications have been tested and usually list any known issues.  You can also download  SPYBOT  which is an application that finds spyware on your computer.  As for file sharing programs, the latest information is that WinMX, as well as filetopia does not contain spyware.  Remember your (limited) bandwidth with a dial-up connection.  You can only stuff so much information through a pair of telephone wires at one time.  When you install WinMX and launch it the first time, it may indicate a newer version is available.  Download and install that as they are rapidly fixing known issues with their software.  Another site for "free" downloads that have been tested first is PC world.com.
 
NOTICE AND DISCLAIMER:  RIIA, the regulatory arm of the music recording industry is vigorously pursuing file sharers with Lawsuits.  YES it could happen to you if you use any file sharing program.  Stealing copyrighted material is a felony and the fine is $10,000 per song plus 1 - 10 years in prison.  Since RIIA has started filing Lawsuits, there are some horror stories out there.  It does not matter if you don't know you have such a program on your computer (as in a file sharing program that was installed by your child or Grand child), you are still liable.  You may be able to "beat the rap", but not until you spend $10,000 - $20,000 for an Attorney.  It's a lose-lose situation.

As with anything, use caution when downloading programs, because even the programs on disk that you purchase at the store, often have "bugs" and require you to download a patch or patches after installation.  The good news is that purchased software (usually) does not contain spyware.  If it does, the support site will tell you how to disable it.  Before installing any programs, be sure that your computer meets the minimum requirements necessary to run the program.  Clean up un-necessary files and "left overs" on your computer by running "disk cleanup" on a routine basis. 

RULE OF THUMB: If you still use Windows 95, it will use 32 megs of RAM, just to run Windows.  Windows 98 and ME use 64 megs and XP uses 128 MEGS.  Any RAM you have installed over and above those minimums can be used by other applications without "sharing" and in turn slowing your system down.
    
Bonzi Buddy brings you more pop-ups than you can count.  He's "free", but paid for by the Advertisers that bring you those wonderful pop-ups and popunders.  Do you really need all those downloads?  There are more harmful (to your computer) downloads than helpful ones.
 
TOSS YOUR COOKIES:  A goodly number of sites (most) that you visit bake you a cookie.  Some cookies are OK, but others are not.  See spyware above.  They report back all of the sites you visit and then start loading you up with pop ups, etc.  Information gathered by Cookies are an item that websites can sell to others.  Do you want to decrease the number of popups and popunders that inundate your computer?  Download the GOOGLE Toolbar.  It is a quick download and prevents most popups, allowing you to go to the sites you really want to visit.