Virus Ed 101. com® will provide information we should all know about computer security and how to defend against attacks. While dealing with viruses, it should be known that viruses are not your only concern. Not becoming educated can lead to attacks on your privacy, your computer, your files and documents...  that is, being prepared without being paranoid. Specific and current virus attacks and information can be found on the Threat Database page by clicking the button on the left.  Web Site Objective: Hopefully, you can use this page and its resources, for a daily practical guide to maintaining computer security.  Are you guilty of these "Eight Deadly Sins of Computer Security?"  1. My computer came with anti-virus software so I shouldn't have to worry. Don't count on this! 2. I've heard about updating virus protection but I'm sure it will tell me when. Wrong! 3. I don't have to worry. My internet service provider (ISP) takes care of this. Wrong! Very wrong. 4. There is nothing important enough on my computer to worry about.Your computer can be taken over by a Trojan Horse 5. I am not connected to the internet much. Even a brief connection,can invite trouble into your computer. 6. I have a Macintosh or Linux-based system and they don't attack these. Wrong again! No one is immune. 7. I don't open mail or attachments of anyone I don't know. This used to be foolproof prevention. It no longer. 8. What do you mean, "Back up your data often. It's on the hard drive isn't it?" Not attending to these fallacies could cause serious problems to your computer's security. What You Need to REALLY Feel Safe: If you have the following protection devices on your computer, you should really feel safe. Although this looks like a full plate, remember that more and more bad things can happen to your computer. (many products are on the market...those mentioned below are friendly for the typical user) For more detailed security products and information, go to the Tools & Links page.  1. An Anti-Virus program kept up to date (at least weekly updates)-read details on the Virus Page and the Tools & Links Page. 2. A program that cleans your computer of "spyware" which advertisements place on your hard drive to find your internet tendencies. Two great programs are Adaware (free) and Spybot (shareware). Read more on the Tools & Links Page. 3. A program that will search your computer for Trojan Horses. The Cleaner is one that is free to download. Read more on the Trojan Horse Page as well as the Tools & Links Page. 4. A firewall program that will keep unwanted information from coming into or leaving your computer without your knowledge. XP has one built in. Zone Alarm is free to download. Read more on the Tools & Links Page. 5. With frequent security attacks on the Windows operating system (Win 95, 98, ME, XP) it's more important than ever to get windows updates and patches from the Microsoft site at windowsupdate.com. The Windows system is usually attacked because, by usual estimates, 95% of the computing world uses Windows. At the very least, do this monthly. However, beware of any so called security patches in your e-mail that look like they're from Microsoft. Get updates ONLY at the Microsoft website. 6.There are constant internet scams trying to steal your privacy, money, passwords, etc. Be aware by checking Scambusters.org or subscribing to their E-mail newsletter. 7. Back up your data often. Copy it to floppies, CDs, or an external hard drive made just for that purpuse...weekly is not too often. You might also make use of offsite data backup services (usually automated) that keep your information on their servers remote from your location. See Bitleap.com, a service that does just this. A Suggestion on Using this Site: Don't try to absorb all the information on this site in one sitting, especially if you're new to security. Spend several sessions to get yourself up to speed.  Background: This page had been an education resource for several years, originally named, "Chalk Talk." Over those years, I was amazed at the number of users that had computer security questions for "Chalk Talk," the original site. Because of those questions, I have revamped the page to address that topic. I have been associated with computers since the early 60's, from science fairs, to online, to the internet. I have been online for almost twenty years and much has changed. See an article titled Short History of the Internet for more on internet evolution. At one time, security risks were minor to anyone other than government or businesses. Today, everyone with a pc is at risk.  Contacting Me: Use the electronic form or e-mail, found on the "Contact Me" link. Simple Navigation: Viruses |Trojan Horses |Firewalls |FAQ |Tools & Links |Prevention What If IT Happened?|Site Contents |Threat Database |Contact Me |Home VirusEd101 is now a a security resource on: See VirusEd101 on ALL-Internet-Security.com Resources Directory of Internet Security Resources: Security Scanner, Anti Hacker, Cracker, Network Solutions, Free Port Monitor, Computer Security, Spyware removal.  Virus Ed 101 is now listed on Educating.net, the Internet's premiere award-winning Education Portal. If you have a specific topic you want to SEARCH, you can search just this site, VirusEd101 and/or the entire WWW by using the Google box below. Search WWWSearch virused101.com  hit counter people have visited this site. Disclaimer- Please be informed that this page is here for the use of its users, as a resource, and free. I will in no way assume responsibility for any recommendations found herein, located on any links from this page, or given as solutions that cause loss of data, normal computer operations, or damage to software or hardware. Any fixes attempted by way of suggestions or information included herein, including links, are taken at your own risk.