What is a virus & how can my computer get one?
More and more viruses are being released and programmed everyday. A virus is a potentially damaging bit of information (program) which can harm either your computer system & your files and programs without your knowledge, or it can turn out to be a practical joke/annoyance. In more technical terms, a virus is a segment of program code that implants itself to one of your executable files and spreads systematically from one file to another. Computer viruses do not spontaneously generate: They must be written and have a specific purpose. Usually a virus has two distinct functions:

• Spreads itself from one file to another without your input or knowledge (usually by email, internet download or infected disks). Technically, this is known as self-replication and propagation.
• Implements the symptom or damage planned by the perpetrator. This could include erasing a disk, corrupting your programs or just creating havoc on your computer. Technically, this is known as the virus payload which can be benign or malignant at the whim of the virus creator.

The IBM/PC computers have many different viruses (because there are so many people using PCs) but even Macintosh/Apple and other platforms have their share of viruses. There are many different types of viruses, some viruses could be on your system right now, without your knowledge, waiting to keep spreading or cause harm at a later date & time.

What is a virus & how can my computer get one?
More and more viruses are being released and programmed everyday. A virus is a potentially damaging bit of information (program) which can harm either your computer system & your files and programs without your knowledge, or it can turn out to be a practical joke/annoyance. In more technical terms, a virus is a segment of program code that implants itself to one of your executable files and spreads systematically from one file to another. Computer viruses do not spontaneously generate: They must be written and have a specific purpose. Usually a virus has two distinct functions:

• Spreads itself from one file to another without your input or knowledge (usually by email, internet download or infected disks). Technically, this is known as self-replication and propagation.
• Implements the symptom or damage planned by the perpetrator. This could include erasing a disk, corrupting your programs or just creating havoc on your computer. Technically, this is known as the virus payload which can be benign or malignant at the whim of the virus creator.

The IBM/PC computers have many different viruses (because there are so many people using PCs) but even Macintosh/Apple and other platforms have their share of viruses. There are many different types of viruses, some viruses could be on your system right now, without your knowledge, waiting to keep spreading or cause harm at a later date & time.

Some of the popular viruses:
Happy99.exe Virus
This is a worm program, NOT a virus. This program has reportedly been received through email spamming and USENET newsgroup posting. The file is usually named HAPPY99.EXE in the email or article attachment. If you receive this file in your email, DO NOT open the attached .exe file, immediately let the sender know that their system is infected. If you have opened that file on your system, your computer is infected. Check out the Symantec Happy99 Web Page to find out more, including how to get rid of it.

Taxes on Email in Canada a Hoax
You may have received a chain-letter hoax, which has been circulating through many Canadian Internet Providers, regarding a 5 cent tax on all email to be levied by the Canada Post Corporation. This is a complete hoax. Canada Post makes it clear that there is no truth to the rumour on a newsrelease (click here to read it). It is all part of an elaborate (if misguided) practical joke someone has played and therefore should be ignored.

How can I check my system for viruses & get rid of them?
There are many different ways to protect your system and delete any viruses that you may have been infected with. Below are some links to different web sites from which you can learn more about viruses & download or buy virus protection/deletion software.

Symantec AntiVirus Research Center - lots of info & up to date
Norton AntiVirus Software for Mac & PC - a great program to have
Tucows Software Download Site - download free virus software

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