| If you've never been the victim of a | | | | finally do start, they plod along at a |
| computer virus, you may think that all | | | | snail's pace. |
| of the uproar over these nasty little | | | | To make things worse, quite a few of |
| programs is making much ado out of | | | | these computer users who leave their |
| nothing. You may even be thinking that | | | | computers unprotected are actually |
| computer security experts and anti-virus | | | | taking classes for computer related |
| companies are using scare tactics to | | | | careers. They are completely at sea when |
| sell anti-virus software. After all, the | | | | they have to try to repair the damage |
| bigger the problem, the more software | | | | caused by a virus filled computer. |
| people buy. Today, the anti-virus | | | | Perhaps a basic class on computer care |
| business is worth several billion | | | | and repair is in order! |
| dollars and it shows no sign of slowing | | | | You are probably wondering how viruses |
| down. | | | | develop anyway. Hackers are the people |
| So, with all of this money at risk, you | | | | creating these nasty bugs, right? |
| are certainly justified in wondering | | | | Actually, while some hackers may decide |
| whether computer viruses really are as | | | | to create computer viruses, most of them |
| big a problem as the industry says they | | | | spend all of their waking hours |
| are. | | | | attempting to break in to the most |
| Unfortunately, the answer is that they | | | | secure and top secret systems they can |
| absolutely are. If you get a virus, you | | | | find. People who write viruses are |
| could actually lose your money, your | | | | people with an ax to grind. They want to |
| identity and your computer's hard drive. | | | | send a wake up message or show people |
| With new viruses being developed | | | | that they are superior to them. Today, |
| constantly, the problem continues to | | | | many people are concerned that computer |
| grow. While many viruses are more | | | | viruses could be used as a terrorist |
| annoying than destructive, even a | | | | weapon. |
| "harmless" virus can use up valuable | | | | If you do get a computer virus, will you |
| resources. The worst viruses can spread | | | | lose everything on your hard drive? It |
| worldwide in a few days and wreak | | | | actually is rare for this type of virus |
| unbelievable havoc. The damage from one | | | | to spread very fast or far. Annoying |
| infamous virus can mean billions of | | | | viruses that stop you from starting your |
| dollars in lost business opportunities | | | | computer or using windows or those that |
| and damaged equipment. | | | | mail spoof emails to your entire email |
| With all of this bad news, is there any | | | | address book are much more common. The |
| good news for computer users? Take this | | | | hard drive is usually recoverable when |
| quick risk quiz: | | | | the computer has one of these viruses. |
| 1. Does your computer have antivirus | | | | What about your financial and personal |
| software installed on it? | | | | information? Are viruses really likely |
| If you can say yes, you are much less a | | | | to swipe them from the computer. |
| risk than people that don't have | | | | Absolutely. This is a common reason that |
| antivirus software. If you say no, than | | | | viruses are created and spread. |
| it is only a matter of time until you | | | | Is there any way to keep your computer |
| find out about viruses personally. | | | | virus free? While no anti-virus software |
| 2. Does your computer have a firewall | | | | is foolproof, installing one of these |
| installed on it? | | | | programs can provide some protection. |
| If your response is yes again, you can | | | | While there are anti-virus software |
| relax a bit. You're doing all you can do | | | | programs that provide better protection, |
| software wise to keep your computer safe | | | | any of them will help somewhat. Even |
| from a deadly virus. If you say no | | | | free anti-virus programs are actually |
| again, you are leaving your computer | | | | able to ward off at least some viruses. |
| wide open for an attack. | | | | After reading this information on |
| Despite all of the media attention paid | | | | viruses and anti-virus software, you |
| to antivirus software, people still have | | | | have probably resolved to get protection |
| the "It can't happen to me." mentality. | | | | for your computer right away. If so, you |
| They laugh off warnings to protect their | | | | won't be sorry. Dealing with viruses |
| computers and say that they are working | | | | after you are infected is frustrating |
| just fine. They think that because they | | | | and time consuming. It is so much easier |
| never actually initiate a file download | | | | to keep a disaster from happening |
| or send and receive files with friends, | | | | instead of trying to reconstruct a ton |
| they are safe. A few months go by and | | | | of missing data and worry about identity |
| suddenly they can't get their computers | | | | or financial thefts after the fact. |
| to boot up forever and then when they | | | | |