Virus/Hoax Information

So how can I get a real virus?

You can get a real virus ONLY by downloading or receiving a file which is infected that you run on your computer. Ways that can happen:

• If you get an e-mail with a file attached to it that contains a virus and you download that file AND run it, your computer will become infected.
• If you download a file from the internet that contains a virus AND you run it, your computer will become infected.
• Viruses are also transmitted by computer networks (2 or more computers linked up together) and by infected disks. Don't use someone else's floppy without virus-checking it first!
• If you were to boot a computer with an infected floppy (boot virus), your computer will be infected (it isn't advisable to boot your computer using a floppy).

How can I protect my computer from real viruses?

Take these precautionary steps:

• NEVER download and/or run an attached file on an e-mail from a stranger or from an unknown address. Be VERY cautious when downloading/running one from a friend (most likely if they pass you a virus, they won't know they did!).

• NEVER have your e-mail program set to automatically run attached files. VERY IMPORTANT! This is especially true for browsers and/or e-mail programs which automatically execute Microsoft Word after opening an e-mail. TURN OFF THE OPTION TO LAUNCH OR EXECUTE ANY PROGRAMS after receiving e-mail.

• NEVER run a file you've just received without first running it through an updated anti-virus utility.

• If your computer is on a network, make sure you have security steps in place to prevent unauthorized users putting files on your computer. Networks are ideal virus transmitters since they are accessed by many computers and there usually is a great deal of interaction between these computers.

• MAKE SURE you've got a good anti-virus program that is updated often from the company (check out the anti-virus links below).

• TAKE CARE in using floppy disks! The more computers a floppy has been used on, the better the chance of a virus infecting it. ALWAYS run floppies through an anti-virus program before using it and be extremely cautious when booting your computer from a floppy disk (it's advisable not to do so).

• KEEP YOUR E-MAIL SOFTWARE UPDATED! Software companies are always finding problems with their software and if they are good about it, will post patches to update your e-mail software. Continually check your software company's web site for updates to your e-mail software!

What can I do to stop these hoaxes from spreading?

If you are ever forwarded a copy of one of these hoax warnings, simply reply back to the person who sent you the warning that it IS a hoax and suggest they check out this page. The URL is:

http://www.montney.com/virus.htm

Remember, don't be angry with the person who forwarded the message to you, they were most likely forwarded the same message by someone else. The more people we can educate about such hoaxes, the better! NEVER forward these hoaxes - it will only continue the problem and waste our precious bandwidth!

Some Important Clarification

I've received quite a bit of e-mail from people who say "Yes, you can receive a virus from e-mail." YES, you can. As explained on this page, that is one of the many ways to receive a file. The entire point, however, is you can NOT infect your machine simply by *READING* an e-mail. You (or your computer) must download an infected attachment and run it. The page is quite clear about this.