Everyone says you need an "Antivirus" program. So, you get one and install it. There, now you're safe!
Wrong!!!
An antivirus program is only as good as the definitions contained in it. In order to be protected from the new viruses, you have to "update" the definitions. If you bought the program off a shelf, it has been sitting there for a while and cannot be current with respect to the current definitions. One company, Norton AntiVirus, updates their definitions at least weekly. You need to register your copy of the Antivirus program. The main advantage to this is that when there is a dangerous/rampant virus around, the Antivirus company may send out a bulletin to their subscribers. When you get one of their bulletins, you ought to update your definitions then.
Another term you will see is "upgrade". An upgrade is done to the actual program and is separate from the definitions.
How to update the virus definitions is explained in the manual that came with your virus program, or if you downloaded the program, you can usually download a manual too. Information is also available in Help. You need to learn how to update! Some Antivirus programs have an "automatic" update feature. After you install the program, you will see a new icon on the taskbar tray by the clock. If you double click on it, it will open your Antivirus program. Become familiar with what is available. Below are links to information on how to update definitions for the more common Antivirus programs.
 | Norton Antivirus (A/V): Online support is available at:
http://www.symantec.com/techsupp/activedata/asa_index.html
You can get definitions without using "Live Update" at: http://www.symantec.com/avcenter/defs.download.html Norton Antivirus 2002 has "Automatic LiveUpdate" available. |
| McAfee A/V has On-Line support at:
http://www.mcafee.com/support/default.asp You can get definitions without using "AutoUpdate" at: http://download.mcafee.com/updates/4xa.asp?as=false&ref=5 |
| PC-cillin A/V has an update center at: http://www.trendmicro.com/download/ |