February 15, 2002

Keeping Your Computer Healthy

By Teresa Lightle- Computer Training Coordinator

Winter is here and keeping yourself healthy can be a challenge. Your computer is just as susceptible to viruses as you are. Keeping your computer in tip top shape can help fight these viruses from attacking your computer. There are several things all users can do to help ward off virus attacks.

• Do not open any files attached to an e-mail  from an unknown, suspicious or untrustworthy source.

• Do not open any files attached to an email unless you know what it is, even if it appears to come from a close friend or colleague. Some viruses can replicate themselves and spread through personal address books. Better to be safe and confirm what they sent.

• Do not open any files attached to an email if the subject line is questionable or unexpected. If the need to do so is there, save the file to the hard drive before opening it. Then virus scan it.

• Do not use someone else's Floppy Disk to save or open files. Before you open a file from a floppy diskette be sure to scan the disk for viruses.

• Keep back up copies of your important files. Saving files to the server is always a good idea, as backups of the server are made regularly. 

• Do not download any programs from the Internet. If you are in need of a program, check with ITS before you download it.

• Do not use the optional Tripane View or Preview Pane in Outlook. This may automatically open e-mail items therefore launching the virus.

What is a Virus?

 A Computer Virus is a set of instructions  written to do harmful or malicious processes to your computer files or programs.. This set of instructions can attach itself to other programs or files on your computer. It may also replicate itself or spread itself by using your computer's personal address book.

 

Myths About Viruses

MYTH #1 It is important to warn all your friends and coworkers about any and all virus warnings you get in your e-mail or hear about on the news.

FACT: This spamming of e-mail literature can be detrimental, and can cause panic where none is necessary. Many of the virus alerts are hoaxes or publicity stunts. Don't get caught up in the panic of the moment. We have a team of competent technicians who follow these items very closely. If it is a legitimate virus concern ITS will send out a broadcast warning. If you still have concerns please contact the ITS helpdesk at (530) 532-5770.

 

MYTH #2 - You can get a computer virus just by reading e-mail.
FACT: You are not generally going to get a virus from text placed in the body of any e-mail message. Most viruses come in the form of an executable file such as an attachment. To download a computer virus, you would need to open the attachment. (Option: Save the attachment to your desktop, then scan the attachment before you open it. See instructions below.)

MYTH # 3 - You can get a computer virus by clicking on a web address link in your e-mail.
FACT: E-mail links generally are safe from virus invasions. Tech Tips is e-mailed as a web link.

The Butte County Information Technology Services Department  takes a proactive approach to virus protection. All computer's owned by Butte County Office of Education should have McAfee Virus Protection installed on their computer. This virus protection is set up to automatically update and s

can your computer system for viruses. 

To scan a file for viruses: 

• Click on the file once to select. 

• Right click on the selected file.

• Choose the option "Scan for Viruses" -  This will launch McAfee and place the file in the location box to be scanned.

• Select Scan Now.

• An additional pane will appear under the dialogue box. The pane should remain empty and a note will come up at the bottom telling you that no viruses were found. You may now safely open this file.

To scan a floppy diskette

• Click on My Computer on your desktop

• Right Click on "Floppy A"

• Choose Scan for Viruses

• Select Scan Now

What To Do if You Get a Virus

Pictured is a screen shot of what the virus scanner will show if it detects a virus on your computer.

ITS recommends that you first try to "Clean" the document by clicking on the "Clean" button. If you are unable to "Clean" the file, and the file is not critical, click on the "Delete" button and remove the file from your computer. If the file is a necessary or critical file call the Help Desk before you delete the file. If you have any additional questions or concerns please be sure to call
the Help Desk at  532-5770.

Coming in the next issue: Download Dangers!

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For Questions or Comments about this newsletter please contact: tlightle@bcoe.org

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