What is a virus? A virus is a computer program that has been written to attach itself to other files such as programs and to duplicate itself when those programs are run. They are easily spread across the Internet.

Some display offensive messages on the screen, while others are designed to destroy data. Viruses can either activate immediately or can sit on the user's system waiting for a particular time.

Use an up-to-date virus checker program that will automatically monitor your system when you are accessing the Internet and protect you from computer viruses.

Make sure you update your virus checker on a regular basis. This can usually be done by downloading update files over the Internet. Please read your user manual or documentation for more information on how to do this.

Be careful when opening e-mail attachments (files sent with an e-mail message) as these can contain viruses which will be activated when you open them.

As a general rule, be wary of any e-mail you receive from an address you don't know, especially if it contains an attachment. If you are not sure, don't open it.