Computer Viruses

What is a Virus?

A virus is program, or piece of malicious code, that is loaded onto your computer without your knowledge and runs against your wishes. Viruses often replicate themselves and are capable of spreading themselves, typically through e-mail.

A common misconception with viruses is that they will be sent from someone you do not know. In reality most viruses send themselves from an infected user's e-mail address book without the user's knowledge. Since address books usually contain addresses that are most frequently used, then it is most likely that viruses will be spread among friends, family, or business acquaintances.

Virus Prevention

The best way to prevent viruses is to use Anti-Virus software. It is not enough to just have anti-virus software installed, you must also keep the virus definitions up-to-date and scan your machine regularly for viruses.

Green Mountain Access Virus Filtering

As of January 7, 2004 we have implemented Clam Antivirus (www.clamav.net) filtering on our mail servers to help prevent viruses from entering our network. While this greatly reduces the risk of viruses for our customers it is absolutely essential that users continue to use antivirus software on their individual computers. For more informaion on Green Mountain Access virus filtering click here.

Some Anti-Virus software examples:

• McAfee
• Norton Anti-Virus
• Trend Micro - PC-cillin

On-Line Virus Scans

• McAfee
• Trend Micro

Virus Removal

Virus removal can sometimes be a bit tricky. Most anti-virus software has virus removal capabilities. Instructions on removing viruses can also be found at the McAfee and Norton websites. If you are not comfortable with the virus removal procedure you should contact your local computer repair shop. A partial list of computer repair shops in Vermont can be found by clicking here.