I keep getting viruses! What's wrong?

Reply:

"Virus" has specific meanings. "Malware" is a more generic term meaning "bad software" put there by someone who is not concerned for your best interests.

You are probably using a Microsoft operating system. LINUX and MacIntosh operating systems are less likely to experience malware attacks. There are two reasons for this:

	First, because Microsoft dominates the industry, bad people who promulgate malware, focus their efforts on Microsoft products.
	Secondly, due to design issues, Microsoft products are more vulnerable to attack. (This is not to suggest that LINUX, for example, isZ immune to malware attack.)

Anti-virus software is not used in LINUX systems. Your files are protected by permissions and passwords that you assign. Never enter the root password unless you initiated the action and were expecting the prompt.

For Windows users, let's review the basics:

Install a virus protection software product.
Keep the anti-virus software current by downloading the periodic updates.
Verify that the anti-virus software is configured for your computer and that all your data files are within its purview. Specifically, do you have two hard drives? Make sure you are not introducing data from an un-inspected CD, floppy or tape.
Check the security options parameters in your browser and your operating system. If you are using Windows, go to Control Panel->Security Center and turn ON the firewall, automatic updates, and virus protection.
Be very careful about downloading free software from the internet. There is lots of good, free software available. But this is a major vulnerability. You can click on some interesting site and see an offer for a free sample of a nifty game or some other appealing application. The download may include spy ware or cookies that will bog down your processor if not actually do harm.
Never open an e-mail attachment from an unknown sender. Be careful about attachments from people you do know. This is another major source of viruses and spy ware.

After this, if you are STILL having problems, the fix is drastic. You can take your system to a computer service store where, for a fee, they will re-install your operating system for you and give you back a "clean" system. Or you can do it yourself: re-build the system.

	Gather up all the original distribution disks and other media such as floppy disks that came with your computer. This will include drivers for your mother board, any peripherals you have, your graphics card, printers, scanners, camera software, etc.
	Copy all your data files to some reliable media: CDs or floppy disks are most likely. Run a virus checker on every file you copy off.
	Verify the mother board configuration per the manual that came with the mother board.
	Re-format the hard drives and re-install the operating system using the directions included with the operating system.
	Install any drivers for your printer and other peripherals per the instructions that came with them.
	Reinstall the applications from original distribution media.
	Now, carefully and slowly, restore the data files. I would recommend you do this over a period of several days so that if your archived data contains an infected file, you will be able to identify and discard it before the next cycle.

Revised: November 12, 2009

Back