Viruses

Here is a good basic overview:

http://www.howstuffworks.com/virus.htm

For more detailed or specific information:

http://securityresponse.symantec.com/

http://vil.nai.com/vil/default.asp

For Myths, Hoaxes, etc:

http://www.vmyths.com/

How often you should update is a matter of preference/need. I prefer to download new virus definitions on a weekly basis.

Hope this info gets you started. Good luck!

Where do viruses come from?
Viruses come from programs that are run on your computer.

What are my risks?
Depends on what you do. If you download anything from the internet and run it, you have a risk factor. If you install a program from afloppy given to you, you may be infected from a virus. There have been cases where purchased programs have had viruses; (where manufacturers -- unknowingly -- produced their production runs from a computer infected with viruses and on their cds).
How do I get infected?
By running anything with an infection.

How do I prevent myself from being infected?
Use an AntiVirus scanner regularly and do a complete scan at least weeking. Anything downloaded from the Internet, run a scan over itbefore doing anything else with it.

How often should I update?
You should set your AV programs to Auto Update. If you connect to the Internet via modem, then at least weekly.

anna is correct and I set my virus program to scan
ALL incoming before it reaches my pc. I also do weekly scans to check.
I do also run spywarenuker to delete any adaware, maleware, worms or trojans as found on a weekly basis or after a long time on the net.
I also scan any floppy or cd not known to me to be free [from outside my office] prior to running it.

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