Viruses FAQ

If you use a computer, you will eventually run across a virus. This FAQ cannot cover every facet of computer viruses. At the end of this FAQ is a list of links with further information about viruses.

Questions:

Answers:

Can I get a virus just by reading an email?

Probably not. Older versions of Outlook and Outlook Express have reasonably large security holes that can execute an attachment with no intervention from the user. In general, making sure you always use the most up-to-date version of the email client will grant a certain amount of protection. Some viruses exploit security holes present in older versions of the software that have been fixed in later versions.

I got a virus warning from a friend/colleague, should I send it to you?

Please don't. Unfortunately, a majority of virus warnings on the internet are hoaxes passed from unsuspecting user to unsuspecting user. Almost all email hoaxes have certain identifying characteristics within the warning. In general, look for technical sounding language and some sort of proof of credibility by association ("A friend who works at Microsoft sent this to me...").

If you have any sort of doubt whether you should be worried about a virus warning, check Hoaxbusters first.

What can I do to keep from getting a virus?

Getting antivirus software and keeping it updated is the first step but all the antivirus software in the world won't save you if no behavioral changes accompany the additional software.

Learn which attachments you should be suspicious of:

  • Any attachment with a double extension (i.e. .txt.pif ) is suspect. Never open a Windows file with a double extension.
  • Always be suspicious of .exe, .bat, .pif, and .com files. In reality, there are very few reasons anyone would ever email you one of these files without specifically stating in the body of the message what the file is and what it is for. Even then, scan it first.
  • Never open attachments you did not request. Even if you specifically requested a document, and the file does not look suspicious, scan it first. Office documents can be infected with macro viruses that are only triggered upon opening a document in MS Word or Excel.
  • Never, ever, open an attachment without scanning it first.

Can you recommend a good antivirus program?

While there are plenty of reliable antivirus products available for sale, some of the best things in life are free. Both Grisoft, the makers of AVG Antivirus, and Alwil, the makers of Avast Antivirus, offer their software free for personal use on computers running Windows.

Somebody said I have a virus, what do I do now?

Trust them.

  • SARC provides a good number of automatic removal tools for some of the more common viruses. If one is available for the specific virus you have, download the tool and run it.
  • Update your antivirus software and scan your computer.
  • Follow the suggestions on this page.

    • I'm using a Macintosh. Do I have to worry about viruses?

    Yes. Macintoshes are not as susceptible to viruses as Windows-based operating systems are, but enough Macintosh viruses are in the wild to keep any Mac user from opening attachments with impunity. A good reference on Macintosh viruses can be found at the Macintosh Virus FAQ.

    Are all viruses spread through email?

    No, but most viruses the home user will run across are spread via email. Some viruses are "network aware" and will spread through open shares on your hard drive. Other viruses, such as Blaster, can spread directly from computer to computer. Most viruses, though, require a file to infect. If you download something from the Internet, scan it before running the file. Many viruses can spread through P2P networks masquerading as commonly sought-after files, so be especially careful with anything downloaded via P2P.

    How can I learn more?

    There is a wealth of information on computer viruses on the Internet. Here are a few links to get you started:

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