About Computer Viruses
- A computer virus is a computer program that is written by a malicious author
- They spread by copying themselves, then transferring on to other computers
- There are around 53,000 computer viruses in existence, with a new one detected every 18 seconds
- A computer virus can do anything from popping up a short message to wiping key files so your computer doesn't work
- The "ILOVEYOU" virus infected up to 45 million computers, causing billions dollars worth of damage world-wide

How to avoid catching a virus

Do's                                                Don'ts

Stay calm. A computer virus isn't dangerous until the infected email is opened. Delete any mail you think is infected and empty your deleted items folder Don't open any attachment you are not sure about, even if you have a virus scanner Read the email. Check that the contents of the message makes sense before you open any attachments Don't forward any attachment to a friend without being sure it is safe Look out for hoaxes. There are many emails warning of "the most destructive virus ever", but often these viruses don't exist Don't send an email about a "new virus" without checking it out. Visit sites like vmyths.com to check for hoaxes Send any email you think is infected to an anti-virus company (you may have to own a copy of their virus software). They can tell you if it is a virus or not Don't send mail that may contain a virus to anyone other than official virus companies. Mail filtering systems will probably delete it anyway Make sure you have a recent backup of your most important work Don't place backup floppy disks in your computer if you think you have a virus, as the virus could spread to your backups If you get a computer virus you'll need to use a virus scanner to get rid of it Don't be blasé just because you have a virus scanner. You will still need to keep your eyes open in case a new virus emerges   Read more about computer viruses