The holidays are over and it’s a new year, which means a slew of new viruses have been released to the world. Many people will be infected causing data loss and countless hours of frustration. So if you’re looking for an easy New Year’s resolution, I have a suggestion: update your virus software. Or if you don’t HAVE virus software (tsk, tsk), please get some now. There are a number of good antivirus programs out there. Both Symantec (Norton Antivirus) and McAfee have software that can protect your computer from infection.
If you have virus software, but have been lax about downloading new definitions or your on-line update subscription has expired, get yourself current. Having out of date antivirus software is almost worse than not having it at all because it gives you a false sense of security. New viruses are created every day. For example, yesterday on the Symantec site (www.symantec.com) I read about a new one. They say:
"W32.Maldal.D@mm can be identified by the subject line ZaCker. If its attachment is opened, the worm has the ability to delete a wide variety of file types including antivirus software and critical system files. Additionally, the worm can spread itself utilizing every address in the users Outlook address book." (Yes, I don’t use Outlook for that reason.)
Now, do you really want this type of thing to happen to you? I don’t think so. And if my address happens to be in your address book, I don’t want it either. The cost of upgrading your anti-virus software is small compared to the cost of getting a virus. If you think you may already have a virus, you can scan your system and remove viruses for FREE using Symantec Security Check at http://www.symantec.com/securitycheck.