Computer Viruses For Dummies

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.

Introduction 1

Part I: Evaluating Your Virus Situation 9

Chapter 1: Understanding Virus Risks 11

Chapter 2: Does My Computer Have a Virus? 23

Chapter 3: Does Your Computer Have Antivirus Software? 33

Part II: Deploying Your Antivirus Defenses 49

Chapter 4: Obtaining and Installing Antivirus Software 51

Chapter 5: Configuring Antivirus Software 75

Chapter 6: Scanning Your Computer and E-Mail 87

Chapter 7: Ridding Your Computer of Viruses 99

Part III: Maintaining Your Vigilance 115

Chapter 8: Updating Antivirus Software and Signatures 117

Chapter 9: Installing Security Patches 127

Chapter 10: Using Firewalls and Spyware Blockers 153

Chapter 11: Protecting PDAs from Viruses 181

Chapter 12: Incorporating Safe Computing Practices 189

Part IV: Looking at Viruses under the Microscope 207

Chapter 13: Viruses and the Losers Who Write Them 209

Chapter 14: Trojan Horses, Worms, Spam, and Hoaxes 221

Chapter 15: How Viruses Function and Propagate 235

Part V: The Part of Tens 247

Chapter 16: Almost Ten Myths about Computer Viruses 249

Chapter 17: Ten Antivirus Programs 255

Index 265

Peter Gregory, CISSP, CISA, has spent 20 years developing technology solutions for those who aren’t technologically oriented. He is an information security strategist for a wireless telecommunications carrier. Build up your defenses against online germ warfare

Discover how viruses work and how to outsmart the cyber-thugs who create them

Viruses, worms, and Trojan horses create a serious health problem for your PC, but this handy little book has the antidote! It’ll help you exterminate those nasty bugs and protect your system from catching more. Find out how to choose the right antivirus software, develop healthy computing habits, and keep your PC happy.

The Dummies Way

• Explanations in plain English
• "Get in, get out" information
• Icons and other navigational aids
• Tear-out cheat sheet
• Top ten lists
• A dash of humor and fun

Discover how to:

• Understand how worms and Trojan horses work
• Practice safe surfing
• Block spyware and set up a firewall
• Cure an existing virus infection
• Use virus protection effectively