Protecting Your System

Viruses, Worms, and Trojan horses

First, a caution, many believe if you only open E-mail from people you know you are safe. This is not true for two reasons. First some advanced viruses are activated when you connect to your E-mail server, you don't have to open them. Second, most viruses spread themselves by sending them to people that are in your address book - or in most cases the address books of people you correspond with. Thus you will usually receive a virus from a friend.

Many viruses will do no harm to your system, others delete files and at least one can destroy hardware. The CIH/Chernobyl virus and it derivatives such as Magistr can erase your computer's Flash BIOS. The BIOS (Basic Input Output System) is the program that controls your computer start up (boot up). It allows your computer to recognize its keyboard, monitor, hard drive, etc. If it is erased, when you power up your computer, nothing happens. To protect your system it is imperative you use a good anti-virus program and keep your Windows updated.