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Anti-Virus Information
and Advice A continuing problem for Internet users is the continual spreading of virus programs of various types, the majority (but not necessarily all) of which will come to you as an attachment to an e-mail. Infection from viruses can also be initiated by simply opening an e-mail message or news posting that has been sent with the deliberate intent to infect. There is no simple way to predict how a virus may come to you, and only through the use of an up-to-date Anti-Virus (AV) program is it possible to minimise your risk. As an interim measure: If you think you have a virus, many AV Software companies offer free on-line virus scanning of your computer. See: http://housecall.antivirus.com/ or http://www.symantec.com/avcenter/ Free Anti Virus Programs (and Firewalls) are available. Free programs may come with basic features, with virus definitions updated less frequently. Some programs come free with a new computer, later asking you to pay an annual subscription. If your software goes past its use-by date, update it or replace it right away. If you replace your software, be sure to uninstall the program (go to Start, Settings, Control Panel, Add/Remove Programs) before installing another. AVG from http://www.grisoft.com/ is user-friendly and will do programmed updates. You must register and will be emailed a Registration Number within a day or so. For this free version for home use there is no customer support, but there is a FAQ area (Frequently Asked Questions) and a mailing list advising on latest viruses. Important: The program you install may have been written a few months ago. Following installation, familiarize yourself with the method used to get virus definition updates or 'signature files'. Good programs should allow updates at least twice a week. AntiVir Personal Edition Anti-Vir, by the same Company that has AV Mailgate in place on the Melbpc server, is less comprehensive but is available for download from http://online.melbpc.org.au/ DOS based programs and others: See Tim O'leary's site: http://www.strategos.com.au/virus/ Firewalls
Firewall software is
designed largely to protect you from a person accessing your computer, via
another computer of course and via the Internet, without your
knowledge. These free versions will likely not be as comprehensive as
the paid-for product. Check that your anti-virus program is compatible
with a particular Firewall. Zone Alarm was reviewed in PCUpdate magazine May 2002. See:http://www.melbpc.org.au/pcupdate/2205/2205article5.htm. Free to individual and non-profit users,it can be downloaded from: http://www.zonelabs.com/store/content/home.jspAnother is Tiny Personal Firewall version 2.0 from http://www.tinysoftware.com/home/tiny2?pg=solo_home
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