Hard to believe, but it seems that the biggest problem behind PCs getting hit with a Computer Virus is not because users don't have an AV (Anti-Virus) program, it's because they do have an Anti-Virus program that is running, but not up to date! That's right - a new PC will come with an AV program such as Norton Anti-Virus, which dutifully loads and runs each time the PC is started. But, after a few months goes by, the PC gets a virus that is not detected by the AV program. That is because the virus Continued next column |
'Pattern' file is never updated, or, the updates were done until
a fee was required to continue receiving them, and the fee was never paid. Most computer Viruses spread around the Internet and get into a PC via Email as an Email Attachment, but can still be spread around by an infected Floppy Disk or CD. Also, if you have Email that uses Outlook Express, you are more likely to get a virus than if you use Server based Email, such as Yahoo Email. The best Offense against a virus is a good Defense: |
Sample File Name |
Name Part |
Exten-sion |
Actual use for this File Type |
Notes: |
Likelihood of being a virus |
2002Budget.vbs |
2002Budget |
vbs |
Visual Basic Script |
Used by Programmers |
100% |
Funny Cartoon.exe |
Funny Cartoon |
exe |
Any Executable program file |
Masquerades as a harmless file |
Very |
scenery.scr |
scenery |
scr |
A Screen Saver |
Masquerades as a Screen Saver |
Very |
MyDocument.pif |
MyDocument |
pif |
a Program Information File used as a DOS Shortcut |
100% |
|
www.NeatSite.com |
www.NeatSite |
com |
An Executable file |
Masquerades as a Web Site link |
100% |
readme.bat |
readme |
bat |
a Batch file |
100% |
|
VACATION.DOC.pif |
VACATION.DOC |
pif |
See above |
Masquerades as a Word Document |
100% |
MyPictures.zip |
MyPictures |
zip |
One or more compressed files, packed into one file. (Zipped files are a legitimate and common way to send several files as one file of much smaller size) |
The Zipped file may contain a virus file of any of the above types. Study the file names that are in the Zipped file when you open it with Winzip |
Somewhat |