Over the years, I have received many questions in regard to computer security. Below, are some of the most frequently asked questions.

QUESTION: I'm new to the Internet and have been hearing a lot about viruses. I'm not exactly sure what they are. Can you help?

ANSWER: A virus is a small piece of software that attaches itself to 'real' software programmes (executable code). Each time you launch the real programme, the virus is also launched. The virus may then spread and attach itself to other programs and wreak havoc on your system.

The most widespread virus is an e-mail virus. An e-mail virus spreads through e-mail attachments. It usually spreads by mailing itself to everyone within the e-mail programme's address book. It tricks the e-mail recipient into believing the message was sent from someone they know.

Although this type of virus rapidly spreads, you can't get it simply by reading a plain text e-mail. However, you can execute the virus by clicking on an encoded message that contains embedded executable code such as JavaScript within an HTML e-mail message, or an executable file attachment.

Another type of programme that is often thought of as a virus is a 'Trojan horse' programme. However, it is not a virus. It is simply a computer program that acts like it's something it's not. For example, you may download a programme that you think is a computer game. However, when you run the programme, it may delete files on your hard drive. Trojan horses cannot automatically replicate themselves.

Another widespread programme is known as a worm. A worm is actually a small piece of software that travels through vulnerable computer networks with security holes. The worm scans the network in search of other computers with security holes. It copies itself to each system it finds.

Although viruses can infect any type of executable code such as EXE files or DOC files, most media files such as GIF, JPG, BMP, MP3, WAV, AVI, MOV and TXT files are generally safe.

Although viruses can wreak havoc, computer virus hoaxes can also be damaging. Virus hoaxes may cause Internet users to begin to ignore all virus warnings. This can be harmful, as they are then left vulnerable to 'real' virus warnings.

In addition, many virus hoaxes also include a 'fix' that instructs the user to delete a certain file from their system. However, the file the hoax says is a virus is actually an important file needed by your computer.

Never follow the advice within an e-mail 'virus alert' instructing you to remove a virus from your system without first verifying its validity.

Visit Symantec to search their virus encyclopedia: http://securityresponse.symantec.com/avcenter/vinfodb.html/

You can also search McAfee's virus database here: http://www.mcafee.com/anti-virus/default.asp

You can protect your computer by taking a few precautionary steps:

Purchase a quality virus protection software and keep it updated.

­McAfee http://www.mcafee. com

­Norton http://www.syman-tec.com

Please note, the above programmes (especially Norton) have been known to cause problems with some operating systems.

Although there isn't any particular pattern, caution should be exercised. I use McAfee online virus scan and have not had any problems.

If you're using Microsoft programmes, make sure that the "Macro Virus Protection" is enabled. Never run a macro within a document unless you know exactly what it does.

Never open an e-mail attachment unless you're absolutely sure where it came from and what it is.

Avoid downloading software programmes from sources you're not familiar with. If you do download a programme, make sure you scan the file with your anti-virus software prior to installing.

Taking the time to protect your computer is one of the best business decisions you'll ever make. If you don't protect it now, you'll definitely regret it later. It's just a matter of time.

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