VVBS.VBSWG2.X@mm.

I received an email last week, with this attachment. Luckily, I had been forewarned and decided against opening it. Bubbles, on the other hand, was very keen on opening it, since he had heard about a virus automatically opening porn sites.

In case you're new to the world of viruses, this definition from Computer Associates should help: "A computer virus is a piece of software designed and written to make additional copies of itself and spread from location to location, typically without user knowledge or permission. Viruses, by definition, add their code to your system in such a way that when the infected part of the system executes, the virus does also."

So, are you a target for viruses? If you access or use any of the following, you are not beyond danger: global access networks, email, email conferences, file servers, ftp, local access networks, pirated software, general access personal computers and repair services.

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If your computer is infected, what should you do next? How do you remove it? There are different tools available, though most experts also warn that no software is 100 per cent virus-proof.

Viruses are usually written with intent to harm or damage your computer system, though there are others floating around just for fun. Why do people write viruses? How do they spread? And how can you protect yourself from them? Here are some links that Bubbles dug up while trying to learn how to write a 'cackling' virus, which, I hope, will replace his raucous laugh.

WEB RESOURCES:

To get an overall perspective, try this site for a background on how computer viruses start and spread, the people behind them, and how they're classified.

Is your machine running unusually slow, or crashing at frequent intervals? It could probably be infected with a virus. These virus detection tips should help.

Protection, they say, is better than cure. It is advisable that you take adequate steps to protect your system. Make sure you know the rules of protection.

Improve your aware ness about viruses and the kind of defence mechanism you need, by tracking a list of the latest anti-virus software available.

Updates, free virus maps, calendars and news about viruses are available from leading anti-virus developers, such as Computer Associates, Dr Solomon's and F-Secure's Security Centre. Bubbles has recommended his favourite: Symantec's Anti-Virus Centre.

Free Internet software can also be downloaded here.

General sites worth looking at include NIST's Guide to Computer Viruses, Anti-Virus and Central Command.

While a lot of people write viruses, some prefer writing hoaxes. Vmyths, maintained by a security expert, explores the world of hoaxes and how you can spot one.

If you want some of your general queries answered, try FAQs. Technical terms used in virus alerts tend to sound confusing, so you can use this glossary to clear your doubts.

A frequently asked question is whether Trojans and Worms are viruses too. This list available on the virus-l and alt.comp.virus newsgroup explains it in detail.

So, the next time you come across a suspicious looking email, with an even more suspicious looking attachment, make sure you run your anti-virus software. Meanwhile, let me go check if Bubbles needs any help with his 'cackling' virus.

Anything that will sound better than his laugh...