44th Bomb Group

Veterans Association

 

From the 44th Webmaster.

Viruses are typically misunderstood.  Below, I've put together a Frequently Asked Questions Table about computer viruses.  Hopefully they will answer most questions regarding viruses.  If by chance you have a question that is not answered below, send me an e-mail at webmaster@44thbombgroup.com and I'll answer it and possibly add it to the list for others to read.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:    (click here to return home)

QUESTIONS

ANSWERS
Can I get a virus from browsing the internet? Currently you CAN NOT get a virus from simply browsing the internet and visiting various sites, or searching for information.  If you click on a button and it wants to run a program on your computer from that site - you may be at risk.  Reputable sites would never infect another's computer and risk prosecution.  So "surf" the internet without stress!
Can I get a virus from reading my e-mail? If you simply "read" your e-mail, you CAN NOT get a virus.  If you open "attachments" you are at risk.  See the "How do Viruses Spread?" question.
What is a VIRUS HOAX? 

(Click here to go to a website to determine if a virus is a HOAX.)

 People love rumors!  Many times, someone starts passing an e-mail attempting to warn a friend about a virus.  Unfortunately that virus may never exist.  The bad news is a hoax makes people nervous.  If you need to report a HOAX, or report on a virus you do this at CERT.
How do viruses spread? For a Virus to infect a computer, a program must run.  A common way to "trick" someone into running a program is to "attach" a program to an e-mail.  If your computer is infected, then many viruses automatically attach themselves to every e-mail you send after that.  So here are some guidelines:
  1. DO NOT RUN A PROGRAM ATTACHED TO AN E-MAIL UNLESS YOU ARE SURE WHO SENT IT AND WHAT IT IS!  ESPECIALLY IF IT ENDS IN:  .exe or .vbs! (these are actual programs that will run if you double click on them)
  2. Sometimes viruses are spread through "macro's" imbedded in documents such as Microsoft Word, or Word Perfect.  Don't save and open any documents from e-mail or from a diskette if you don't know who created them.
  3. Less frequently viruses are on a "floppy disk."  If you run a program from a floppy disk, zip, or boot your computer from a floppy - you can get infected if a virus is "planted" there.  Once again - don't run unknown programs from floppy disks or zip disks.
  4. There are other ways, but the above 3 cover 98%.
Can I protect my computer against Viruses? Sure.  
  1. Follow the guidelines above.
  2. Purchase a Virus Protection Program that runs on your computer all the time.  "REMEMBER -- for these packages to work, you need to update the program often to cover newly discovered viruses."  That is as simple as a push of a button on most programs - no extra cost.  Some suggested programs (but there are many more) are:  PC-Cillin, McAfee, and Norton.
What do I do if I'm infected? Purchase an anti-virus program like some of those stated above, and as part of their setup, they check and clean your computer.  Occasionally a virus is so destructive you may have to reinstall your computer's operating system (such as Windows 98, Windows ME, RedHat Linux, etc).
Should I be so worried I quit using e-mail? Certainly NOT!  Remember that viruses are usually fairly obvious.  For instance, there was a "Ha Ha Ha" virus that came as an e-mail attachment.  Most people saw this attachment, and knew that whoever sent it would have not attached it intentionally - many people found out just from the name. Also, if you purchase anti-virus software and follow the guidelines above - you will likely never get infected.  The nice thing about anti-virus software is even if you do open a virus, the software will stop the virus before you get infected!
Who invents these viruses and why? That is the $60,000 question.  Some people just love the fun of causing problems - and watching them grow and grow.  Some target individuals they dislike and then it grows from there.  It is a federal crime if someone is caught creating a virus.