Computer Viruses for Dummies

Description

Computer viruses--just the thought of your trusty PC catching one is probably enough to make you sick. Thanks to the cyber-sickies who persist in coming up with new strains, there's a major new cyberattack nearly every day. Viruses sneak in, usually through e-mail. Fortunately, there are ways to inoculate and protect your computer. Computer Viruses For Dummies helps you: Understand the risks and analyze your PC's current condition Select, install, and configure antivirus software Scan your computer and e-mail Rid your computer of viruses it's already caught Update antivirus software and install security patches Use firewalls and spyware blockers Protect handheld PDAs from viruses Adopt safe computing practices, especially with e-mail and when you're surfing the Net Written by Peter H. Gregory, coauthor of CISSP For Dummies and Security + For Dummies, Computer Viruses For Dummies goes beyond viruses to explain other nasty computer infections like Trojan horses, HiJackers, worms, phishing scams, spyware, and hoaxes. It also profiles major antivirus software to help you choose the best program(s) for your needs. Remember, if you don't protect your computer, not only do you risk having your computer infiltrated and your data contaminated, you risk unknowingly transmitting a virus, worm, or other foul computer germ to everybody in your address book! This guide will help you properly immunize your PC with antivirus software now and install updates and security patches that are like booster shots to keep your software protected against new viruses. Computer Viruses For Dummies Introduction About This Book How This Book Is Organized Conventions Used in This Book What You’re Not to Read Meanings of the Term “ Virus” Foolish Assumptions Icons Used in This Book Where to Go from Here Write to Us! Part I: Evaluating Your Virus Situation Chapter 1: Understanding Virus Risks Assessing the Threat to Your Computer Deciding How Much Security Is Enough Chapter 2: Does My Computer Have a Virus? Looking at Common Virus Symptoms Finding and Fixing a Virus Developing Good Habits Finding Out More about Viruses Chapter 3: Does Your Computer Have Antivirus Software? Understanding Antivirus Software Looking Around for Antivirus Icons Asking at Your Place of Purchase Checking the Health of Your Antivirus Software Part II: Deploying Your Antivirus Defenses Chapter 4: Obtaining and Installing Antivirus Software Sticking with Name Brands You Know Considering Important Antivirus Features Upgrading and Switching Brands Checking Out the Purchasing Venues Installing Antivirus Software Chapter 5: Configuring Antivirus Software Setting Your Computer Boot Options Configuring Automatic Protection Scheduling Scans Scheduling Updates Configuring Heuristics Configuring E-Mail Protection Configuring Instant Messaging Protection Chapter 6: Scanning Your Computer and E-Mail Deciding to Scan Your Computer File-by-File Scanning for Viruses Scheduling Scans Evaluating Online Scanning Services Scanning E-mail Chapter 7: Ridding Your Computer of Viruses Interpreting Warning Messages Finding Quarantined Files Repairing Your System Part III: Maintaining Your Vigilance Chapter 8: Updating Antivirus Software and Signatures Getting a Signature Update Deciding How Often to Get Updates Getting Updates Scanning after an Update Chapter 9: Installing Security Patches Figuring Out Why You Need Security Patches Scrutinizing Security Patches Preparing to Install Security Patches Installing Security Patches Installing Service Packs Removing Patches Chapter 10: Using Firewalls and Spyware Blockers Protecting Your Computer with a Firewall Dealing with Spyware Chapter 11: Protecting PDAs from Viruses PDAs Grow Up (And Grow Vulnerable) Understanding Why Antivirus Software Is Needed for PDAs Installing and Configuring Antivirus Software on PDAs Protecting Your PDA in Other Ways Protecting and Securing Your Computer Chapter 12: Incorporating Safe Computing Practices Backing Up Your Data Regularly Installing Only Programs Known to Be Safe Saving Your License Information Securing Your Web Browser Keeping Alternate E-Mail Accounts Surfing the Web Safely Sharing Personal Information Carefully Adding Parental Internet Blockers Avoiding Spam Blocking Spyware Using Public Computers Part IV: Looking at Viruses under the Microscope Chapter 13: Viruses and the Losers WhoWrite Them Invasion of the Computer Viruses How Viruses Have Evolved with the Times How Early Viruses Spread from Computer to Computer The People Who Write Viruses The Origins of Antivirus Tools Chapter 14: Trojan Horses, Worms, Spam, and Hoaxes Trojan Horses: Misleading Tricks Phishing Scams: Skilled Imposters Worms: Viruses on Autopilot Hostile Web Sites: Caution — Contains Poison Scams and Fraud Hoaxes: Preying on Gullibility Chapter 15: How Viruses Function and Propagate Types of Viruses How Viruses Propagate Part V: The Part of Tens Chapter 16: Almost Ten Myths about Computer Viruses My Computer Stopped — I Must Have a Virus I Have Antivirus Software, So My Computer Can’t Get a Virus All Viruses Are Destructive Viruses Can Damage Computer Hardware Viruses Can Hide inside Data Files Pictures Can Give You Computer Viruses I Need More Than One Antivirus Software Program to Be Fully Protected You Can’t Get a Virus from an Official Software CD Antivirus Software Companies Create Viruses Some Countries Sponsor Virus Writers and Hackers Chapter 17: Ten Antivirus Programs Command Antivirus eTrust EZ Armor F-Prot for Windows F-Secure Kaspersky McAfee NOD32 Antivirus System Norton AntiVirus Panda Antivirus Platinum PC-Cillin Vexira Antivirus for Windows Index