PazSt_Ft2k ( Tip, Trick PC )

Although e-mail viruses are by far the most common, you can still get infected in any number of other ways. In this last section of our virus guide, we'll look at keeping you safe from as many virus sources as possible.

--> Unknown download sites - Be careful when downloading software from the net, especially from a virtual shareware library. A virtual shareware library is a site that has software listings on it, but they don't keep the software on their server. Just hover your mouse pointer over the download link and look at the bottom of your browser. If the URL shown is not the same as the site's it's a virtual shareware library. Most shareware sites are.

This isn't to say that you're going to get a virus by downloading software from them. In fact, I've never had a problem (and I download tons of software).

What I normally do is try to go to the software's web page. If it seems to be a trustworthy company, I download. Then I double-check the file with my anti-virus software.

--> Floppy Disks - Passing around floppy disks use to be the number one way of getting a virus, but it isn't as common as it used to be. In general, just be careful about running programs on floppy disks, especially those from questionable sources.

Another thing to be careful of is floppy boot sector viruses. If you have an infected floppy with this type of virus on it, you'll be infected if you forget to take it out of your drive when you re-boot your computer. To avoid problems, just don't leave floppy disks in your drive.

Of course, it doesn't hurt to scan your floppy with your AV software either.

--> Macro Viruses - I had mentioned this briefly earlier. Be careful with MS office documents that come from questionable sources. They can contain what's called a macro virus. These can delete files, alter program menus, and more.

Unfortunately, these are relatively easy to write, so they are among the most widespread variety of viruses. Be extremely careful when opening unknown MS office files, especially Word documents. Probably a good idea to save these files to disk then check them with your anti-virus software before opening them.

Well, that's about it. I know we could easily fill a book discussing viruses, but I'm just tryign to pass along the basics.

Just remember, keep your anti-virus software up to date and don't run / open any files you don't trust 110%.