General Virus Information

A computer virus is a program designed to replicate and spread on its own. Computer viruses spread by attaching themselves to another program or to the boot sector of a disk. Virus' typically are written to adversely affect your computer by altering the way it looks or works without your knowledge or permission. In some cases virus' can be extremely destructive, erasing a disk or corrupting programs.

Types of Virus Scan Programs

1. McAfee VirusScan

McAfee VirusScan technology detects and removes all the types of known viruses form any source-including e-mail attachments, Internet downloads, shared disks, CD-ROMs, and synchronization with your PDA. McAfee VirusScan software also detects destructive ActiveX and Java applets, which are often downloaded without your knowledge while you browse.

Where do I Purchase McAfee VirusScan, and how much does it cost?
Walmart, Best Buy, Circuit City, Office Depot, Staples
Cost: estimated $40

2. Norton AntiVirus

Norton AntiVirus repairs common virus infections automatically, without interrupting your work. It scans and cleans both incoming and outgoing email, and defends against script-based viruses. Built-in links take you directly to the Symantec Security Response Web site for additional information on specific viruses.

Where do I Purchase Norton AntiVirus, and how much does it cost?
Walmart, Best Buy, Circuit City, Office Depot, Staples
Cost: estimated $40