Anti-Virus Information

Viruses can cause serious damage to your computer system. New viruses are continuously being created and spyware is inundating the Internet.

If you want to know what it all means, read our Definitions to get a better understanding of how they work and what they can mean to your computer system.

Read our Tips & Tricks for suggestions on how to avoid getting viruses and adware on your computer system.

If you suspect your system has a virus or adware, check out our listing of anti-virus  or anti-adware scanning software.

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Anti-Virus/Anti-Adware Scanning Software - Click Here.

Definitions - What does virus or spyware mean? - Click Here

Tips & Tricks to avoid getting viruses/adware -  Click Here

Definitions: What does it mean? What does it do?

Viruses:

	an executable file designed to replicate (copy) itself while avoiding detection.
	may disguise itself as a legitimate program.
	are often rewritten and adjusted so that they will not be detected.
	are the number one method of computer vandalism.

TIP FOR RECOGNITION: Erratic behaviour of computer system, constant 'freezing up' of computer system, your computer system won't 'boot up' or start.

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Spyware...(Also called Adware or Malware)

	Software that tracks usage and reports it to others, such as advertisers.
	Usually the tracking is concealed from the user of the software.
	At minimum, slows down your computer.
	Can be the cause of crashes and other irritating actions.

TIP FOR RECOGNITION: Constant pop-up ads, slow response of computer  (particularly while on the Internet for dial-up systems -  it would be much more noticeable), toolbars that you don't recall having installed or your home page has suddenly changed.

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Tips & Tricks

Tip 1 - Update your anti-virus & anti-spyware software once or twice a week.

Tip 2 - Do free on-line scans. Check out the Virus Scanners page.

Tip 3 - Don't open emails and attachments from people you don't know.

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