six ways to protect yourself
The vast majority of viruses are fairly innocuous and easy to remove. As with most things that threaten our safety or security, prevention is always your best bet. So let's first look at how to keep your system safe; then we'll examine removing a virus from your system.
1. Never use an unknown floppy disk. If you have no choice or can't resist, scan it first with antivirus software. CD-ROMs are much less of a risk, but the Concept virus was found on CD-ROMs for the Windows 95 Software Compatibility Test and Windows 95 Support Tools for Windows NT.2. Write-protect your floppy disks. Before you pass around a floppy with data files or games you want to share, use the write-protect tab to prevent viruses on other systems from infecting your floppy. Disks used to carry work files are the vehicle of choice for most viruses.
3. Be informed. Arm yourself with basic information about viruses: Dr. Solomon's virus FAQs and Stiller Research's virus myths pages are both good resources. You should also keep up-to-date on the latest security alerts--from the National Computer Security Association and Dr. Solomon's news pages.
4. Download carefully. Before downloading files or detaching them from email messages you receive, set up a special folder or directory to hold them. Then scan those files with antivirus software before you open them.
5. Always save shared data files or email attachments in RTF or ASCII format. Neither of these file formats saves macros and formatting information, so this step will prevent a macro virus from infecting your attachments and files.
6. Establish a routine for regularly backing up your work files and system configurations, and store them in a secure place. If you can't possibly fit another routine into your busy life, at least maintain a clean boot disk in a safe place--write-protected, of course!
Worm Viruses
Virus writers have managed to combine the reproductive capabilities of the Melissa worm with the destructive force of the Chernobyl virus.
Experts aren't sure how far Worm.ExploreZip has spread, but email systems at Microsoft, Intel, Symantec, NBC and General Electric were hit so hard that some had to shut down mail servers. That kind of malicious power should not be ignored. By the time you read this, millions more computers could be overwhelmed.
WHO'S AT RISK
You're a target if you use:
Microsoft Windows 95, 98 or NT
Microsoft Outlook or Microsoft Exchange for email
