The links below will take you to web sites that contain instructions and software tools for the removal and cleanup of several current viruses and worms.
PLEASE NOTE: Removing a virus or worm from your computer can involve some complicated steps, including editing your computers Registry. The Registry is a delicate part of your computers set-up files that does not react well to experimentation or mistakes. If you are having trouble following these instructions or are not comfortable working in the registry call us, we can get your computer cleaned up with a service call.
Link to: The Ten Commandments for keeping your computer safe
Link to: Microsoft Security Patch Update
A Virus/Worm Primer
Virus is a generic term that is applied to a broad category of computer code including Time Bombs, Trojan Horses and Worms, that are designed to enter your computer undetected and interfere with the operation of your computer or someone else's.
Viruses almost always enter your computer via email and usually when an attached file is opened by the user (meaning you). Herein lies both the strength and weakness of the virus code. By activating itself when an attachment is opened, the virus can sneak past the you undetected. Once the attachment has been opened it is too late to stop the viruses activities.
This process also makes it relatively easy to stop viruses from entering your computer by simply not opening suspicious attachments and installing anti-virus software on your computer and keeping it up to date..
10 Commandments for keeping thy computer safe from hackers, viruses and worms.
I. Thou shall install anti-virus software on thy computer and configure it wisely, for to fail to do so will bring pestilence and plagues upon thy house
II. Thou shall update thy anti-virus software on a regular (at least weekly) basis for failure to do so will allow these plagues to pass thy door
III. Thou shall be suspicious of all unexpected e-mail, especially that which contains attachments for these attachments are the den of the demon.
IV. Thou shall only download files from reputable web sites and use sound judgment and extreme caution when doing so for verily most virus demons flow forth from these lands.
V. Thou shall install, update and configure correctly a Firewall (not to be confused with a burning bush) when using high speed cable or DSL internet access
VI. Thou shall protect thy passwords and personal information and not save them in memory for evil ones may spirit them away unbeknownst to the
VII. Thou shall not install spy programs such as Kazaa, Bonzai Buddy or Gator on thy computer for verily these programs shall steal thy data and sell it to junk mail companies
VIII. Thou shall not forward junk mail from thy email to others. The masses do not want thy refuse and shall secretly curse thou for thy deeds.
IX. Thou shall send group mail to associates using the BCC: addressing method only, for to do otherwise is a curse upon those whose names thou has used in vain
X. Thou shall not assume that a message or attachment is safe because it comes from someone known to thee for it may be the demon virus in disguise.
Time Bomb - A virus code that activates when a specific event occurs on the computer. It could be set to activate on a specific day or time by linking to the computers internal clock or a specific sequence of keystrokes of file operation. Time bombs can lurk in a computer for years waiting for the right date ort time or event to trigger. Some time bombs just display amusing or taunting messages while others may disable your computer and damage your data.
Trojan Horse: Like the mythical Trojan Horse, this virus is a decoy. It will often display a message or graphic display to distract you while it is damaging your computer in the background. A Trojan Horse can also be a Time Bomb.
Worm: This is a relatively new type of infection that affects primarily Microsoft Products. It usually enters the computer via email or attachment. Once in the computer it can cause a variety of problems from crashes to data loss. Frequently worms will use your email address book to send itself on to friends and associates it finds listed there. Worms can also take control of your computer at a predetermined time for use in a mass mailing attack, also known as a denial of service attack, against another computer or network.