Anti-virus software should be top priority
The first sign of a problem surfaced when a window popped up on my computer screen. It told me I had a computer virus lurking in one of my e-mails.
I can't repeat what blurted out of my mouth.
But just the thought of a virus sent chills running up my spine.
Fortunately, I had Norton Anti-Virus software working in my computer. The software identified the virus and wouldn't let it activate in my computer.
I simply deleted the e-mail. End of problem - or so I thought.
The virus was called Sircam, a worm virus that is activated when you open an attachment in the e-mail. The virus then takes all the e-mail addresses stored in your e-mail software and passes infected messages to those people, too.
There apparently are a lot of people opening up the attachment. Computer security experts say the Sircam virus may be the most widespread in computer history.
During the past few days, I've probably received 30 to 40 infected e-mails, all supposedly sent by different people, some of whom were familiar to me.
In reality, the virus simply borrowed my e-mail address from that person's computer. They didn't have a clue what was going on.
This recent virus outbreak is a good time to remind computer users of the ways to avoid these infections.
In this case, it didn't do any harm. But some viruses can erase your hard drive and wreak havoc on your computer system.
The best protection is to install a good anti-virus software program. You need one that not only will scan your programs and files, but will scrutinize your incoming e-mail for hidden viruses.
But just having the anti-virus software installed isn't enough. You must constantly upgrade the program for the latest versions of viruses hitting the computer world.
This usually can be done through the anti-virus software's Web site. It takes only a few minutes.
In some cases, you can even program your computer to automatically check for new upgrades every few days. Norton allows you free upgrades for a period of time. Then for about $15, you can extend the upgrade option for another 12 months.
Believe me, it's worth it.
Most of the rapidly spreading viruses today are hidden in e-mail attachments. They are harmless until you open up the attachment.
That's why I have a personal rule about attachments - I don't open up any attachments unless I know the person who sent it or they called me in advance to tell me it was coming.
If an e-mail looks the slightest bit suspicious, I delete it.
While it may end up being an important, but harmless e-mail, the chance it might corrupt my computer is too big a risk to take.
I'm not alone in this practice.
So all you corporate public relations folks take warning - you're wasting your time by sending out e-mail with attachments. A lot of people aren't reading the first word.
Unfortunately, computer hackers trying to be cute forced these precautionary measures on us.
