Is it a real virus or is it a HOAX? You have just received an email that starts with something like, "DANGER! Send this to everybody you know!" Or, "VIRUS WARNING!! Forward this to everyone in your address book!" The email goes on to describe some new virus that is infecting the computers of all who get an email with a certain subject line or asks you to download some program. Frequentlly the emails will warn about a file attachment that will destroy your computer. Some go so far as to provide directions for you to delete certain files on your computer - a good and uninfected file that is needed by your operating system. The probabilitiy of this being a real virus is very low. It is most likely what is called a VIRUS HOAX or false warning. You are being asked by the sender and probably many senders before them to spread the word. By doing so, you are adding to the problem and the panic. By doing as instructed before gathering the facts, you are helping to clog the Internet email system. You are also exposing yourself and all of your recipients to more spam. The Spammers love emails like this. Just look at all of the email addresses they can harvest from it. Do not PANIC! Check it out before acting. While there are thousands of real viruses for you to "catch," this is probably not one of them. The first thing for you to do is ask yourself if your virus protection program is current. Have you downloaded the latest virus definitions? Most computer users use either Norton Antivirus or McAfee. Both companies offer a subscription service that will allow you to obtain regular updates, at least weekly. Next, go to your virus protection program's web site and look for the name of this "dangerous" virus in their hoax list. IF you do not find it on the list, look in their current virus list. If you find that it is a legitimate virus, follow the virus protection software company's directions, not the directions provided in the email that you received. The person who sent you the email is not the expert on this subject and the originator of the email probably isn't either. Go to the experts. Where to go to check it out before you act.
Following are links to web sites that will educate you on the subject.
|
