This started as an antivirus resource page. I've now added material about spyware removal and Microsoft Windows and Office updates since those are equally as important. I've also added a link to my eRumors: Hoaxes, Scams, Urban Legends, & Chain Letters page.
Computer viruses are an increasing threat with the amazing growth of e-mail and the Internet. Virus writers have taken advantage of this growth to release faster spreading viruses. Recent viruses not only automatically mail themselves out to everyone in your address book but also to any e-mail addresses they find in your browser cache (temporary storage of web pages you have recently visited). They also forge who the e-mail is actually from so that it is difficult to know who sent the virus.
Since I'm a computer geek, I am frequently asked about antivirus software. I decided to provide this web page to give some basic information and to provide links to antivirus and security resources. There are two packages that I recommend that are usually rated the highest in antivirus software comparisons. They are McAfee VirusScan and Symantec (Norton) AntiVirus. Disclaimer (and a bit of name dropping): I am prejudiced towards McAfee myself. I purchased my first McAfee license in 1988 or 1989 from John McAfee himself while I lived in Silicon Valley and when he was still operating out of his living room in Santa Clara, CA. I have been using McAfee ever since both at home and at work. I have been able to successfully deal with thousands of virus infections on the systems I have supported over the years using McAfee so I'm a loyal customer.
New viruses are being released all the time. It is important therefore not only to run antivirus software but to constantly keep it up to date. I personally recommend setting up your antivirus software to automatically check for updates at least once a week. For example, the systems I support at work are powered on all of the time. I have them set up to check for updates once a day. I do not keep my home computer on all of the time so I have it check for updates on startup.
I would like to thank Bill LeMay and Brent Wilkins for providing me with screen captures and information for Norton Antivirus and the retail version of McAfee VirusScan. (I use the corporate version of McAfee which differs slightly from the retail version.)
Adware and Spyware has become a chronic problem. I used to use Ad-aware, Spybot and Spyware Blaster. I now use Microsoft Windows AntiSpyware. It's important to use the latest version and keep them up to date just as you would with Windows Update and anti-virus updates.
It's also important to keep your PC patched with the latest Microsoft Windows and Office updates.
McAfee and Symantec (Norton) antivirus software is generally available at any of your favorite discount retailer, computer or online stores. You can usually find one or the other available for a discount, they are a frequent "promotional" item. Unfortunately, they are also a frequent item offered by SPAMmers. Be cautious of any unsolicited e-mail offers that you receive for antivirus software for a price that "seems to go to be true". Some offer discontinued and unsupported versions for those "fantastic" prices. My advice is buy it from a reputable dealer. If you buy the current version of McAfee or Symantec (Norton) antivirus software, they generally include a period of free updates (program and virus definition updates). I also have links to free online virus scans in the Links to antivirus resources section that can be used temporarily to determine if your system is infected.
New viruses are being released all of the time. Therefore your antivirus protection is only as good as the last time you updated your "virus definitions". "Virus definitions" are the file(s) that your antivirus software uses to recognize a computer virus. All of the major antivirus software vendors provide a way to automatically update your antivirus software and their virus definitions. It is important to determine how and when you would like to update your antivirus software and then schedule it so that it happens automatically. Generally, if you leave your computer on all of the time, it is best to schedule a time daily or at least once a week when you would like to have your antivirus software updated. If you do not leave your computer on all of the time, I find it best to schedule the antivirus software to check automatically during startup.
The following image is of a Windows XP taskbar that displays the icons in the System Tray for both Norton Antivirus and McAfee VirusScan. These are just sample icons from specific versions of Norton and McAfee, your icon may differ. Hover your mouse pointer over a similar icon in your own taskbar and it should display the name of the antivirus software you are running (if any).
The best way to configure your antivirus software to automatically update is to follow the instructions that were included with the software and/or to follow its online help. I've provided basic information here so that you can quickly check your current configuration.
McAfee has online help at http://www.mcafee.com/support/default.asp
To check your current configuration of Norton Antivirus, find the McAfee VirusScan icon in the System Tray of your Windows taskbar. Double-click on the McAfee VirusScan icon in your taskbar and a screen similar to the following should display.
Select the "Pick a task..." button from your version of the screen above and the following screen should display.
Select "Change my VirusScan settings" from your version of the screen above and the following screen should display.
Select "Configure Instant Updater" from your version of the screen above and the following screen should display. Choose the type of update you would like to do. ("Auto Update" is the one I would recommend.)
You can also view the results of your last virus scan by selecting from the "Pick a task..." screen. Here is an example of the VirusScan Activity Log.
Symantec has online help at http://www.symantec.com/techsupp/consumer.html and http://www.symantec.com/techsupp/nav/
To check your current configuration of Norton Antivirus, find the Norton Antivirus icon in the System Tray of your Windows taskbar. Double-click on the Norton Antivirus icon in your taskbar and a screen similar to the following should display.
The "Virus Definitions" should have a recent date (I recommend within the past 7 days) and "Automatic LiveUpdate" should be "On". You can configure "Automatic LiveUpdate" by selecting the "Options" button on your version of the screen above. The following screen should then display.
Select the "Enable automatic LiveUpdate" box and select the type of update you would like to schedule.
Above is an example of some of the recommended Auto-Protect settings.
The Internet has helped the spread of computer viruses but it also is a tremendous resource to help you fight viruses. Here are some links to antivirus resources you may find useful.
Computer Associates eTrust EZ Armor (free year)
http://www.my-etrust.com/microsoft/
McAfee - Support
http://www.mcafee.com/support/default.asp
McAfee - Anti-virus updates
http://download.mcafee.com/updates/updates.asp
McAfee - Virus Information
http://www.mcafee.com/anti-virus/default.asp
Symantec - Virus Information
http://securityresponse.symantec.com/avcenter/vinfodb.html
Symantec - Download Virus Definitions
http://securityresponse.symantec.com/avcenter/download.html
Symantec - Version number check
http://service1.symantec.com/SUPPORT/tsgeninfo.nsf/docid/2001112909432839
GriSoft AVG Anti-Virus Free Edition (for qualified users)
http://free.grisoft.com/
McAfee - AVERT Stinger (multiple virus removal tool)
http://vil.nai.com/vil/stinger/
McAfee - Virus Removal Tools
http://www.mcafee.com/anti-virus/virus_removal/default.asp
McAfee Free Services
http://www.mcafee.com/myapps/freeservices.asp
McAfee FreeScan
http://www.mcafee.com/myapps/mfs/
McAfee SecurityCenter
http://www.mcafee.com/myapps/msc/
Symantec Security Check
Scan for Security Risks
Scan for Viruses
Trace a Potential Attack (Visual TraceRoute)
http://security.symantec.com/ssc/
