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Maintaining and Cleaning Your System 23
Protecting against viruses
A virus is a program written with malicious intent for the sole purpose of
creating havoc in a computer system. It attaches itself to executable files or
boot sectors, so it can replicate and spread. Some viruses may only cause
your system to beep or display messages or images on the screen. Other
viruses are highly destructive and corrupt or erase the contents of your files
or diskettes. To be safe, never assume any virus is harmless.
Viruses spread through direct contact with executable programs or boot
sectors. Diskettes used in a contaminated system can get a virus and
transfer the virus when used in another system. A virus can also spread
through programs downloaded from bulletin boards or the Internet.
•
Obtain an anti-virus program and scan the system regularly.
•
Make backup copies of all files and write-protect the diskettes.
•
Obtain all software from reputable sources and always scan new
software for any viruses prior to installing files.
If you suspect your system has been infected, find and remove the viruses
immediately using an anti-virus program. Next, turn off your system and
leave it off for at least 15 seconds before turning it back on. This is the only
way to ensure the virus does not remain in your system RAM.
To protect your system against viruses
4078tl.book Page 23 Tuesday, December 22, 1998 2:19 PM