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Virus Definitions
Up-to-Date? |
We recommend that
everyone have an up to date anti-virus package installed on their
system at all times.
Keeping your anti-virus program up to date is essential. Symantec
and McAfee both release frequent updates (free), be sure to install
these updates to keep your protection current against new viruses.
Is it a virus?
Many problems attributed to viruses are the results of Operating
System errors.
Microsoft has
released several critical updates for Windows. These
updates address Year 2000 and security issues. We encourage everyone
to keep their computers updated with the latest patches. These
patches are free to download and install at
http://windowsupdate.microsoft.com.
• Click on "Product Updates".
• Check all "critical" updates.
• Click "Download".
• Click "Start Download".
You may need to repeat these steps, some updates cannot be installed
at the same time.
The following information is from Symantec.com, the makers of
Norton anti-virus. It shows the latest viruses, the most
active viruses and removal tools.
There are many
viruses circulating the internet, and just as many hoaxes. The
hoaxes are harmless, except, when you have 500,000+ emails it does
tend to use up bandwidth. We encourage everyone who receives a virus
warning to take it seriously, but before forwarding it to others,
check it for validity. Some excellent sources for virus hoaxes are:
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Common Hoax
Characteristics |
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Without
researching the factual claims made in a forwarded email there's
no 100% sure way to tell it if it's a hoax, but here you'll find
common signs to watch for... |
Here's How:
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Note whether the text was actually written by the
person who sent it to you. If not, be skeptical.
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Look for the telltale phrase, "Forward this to
everyone you know."
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Look for statements like "This is not a hoax" or "This
is not an urban legend." They usually mean the opposite of what
they say.
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Look for overly emphatic language, the frequent use of
UPPERCASE LETTERS and multiple exclamation points!!!!!!!
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If the message seems geared more to persuade than to
inform, be suspicious. Hoaxers are out to push emotional buttons.
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If the message purports to give you extremely
important information that you've never heard of before or seen
elsewhere in legitimate sources, be suspicious.
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Read carefully and think critically about what the
message says, looking for logical inconsistencies, violations of
common sense and obviously false claims.
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Look for subtle or not-so-subtle jokes, indications
that the author is pulling your leg.
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Check for references to outside sources. Hoaxes will
not typically name any, nor link to Websites with corroborating
information.
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Check to see if the message has been debunked by
Websites that cover Internet hoaxes (see below).
Tips:
Virtually any chain email you receive (i.e., any message forwarded
multiple times) is more likely to be false than true. Be skeptical.
Hoaxers usually try every means available to make their lies
believable -- e.g., mimicking a journalistic style, attributing the
text to a "legitimate" source, etc.
Be especially wary of health-related rumors. Most importantly, never
act on such rumors without first verifying their accuracy with your
doctor or other reliable source.
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