Computer viruses–just the thought of your trusty PC catching
one is probably enough to make you sick. Thanks to the
cyber-sickies who persist in coming up with new strains,
there’s a major new cyberattack nearly every day. Viruses
sneak in, usually through e-mail.
Fortunately, there are ways to inoculate and protect your
computer. Computer Viruses For Dummies helps you:
* Understand the risks and analyze your PC’s current
condition
* Select, install, and configure antivirus software
* Scan your computer and e-mail
* Rid your computer of viruses it’s already caught
* Update antivirus software and install security patches
* Use firewalls and spyware blockers
* Protect handheld PDAs from viruses
* Adopt safe computing practices, especially with e-mail and when
you’re surfing the Net
Written by Peter H. Gregory, coauthor of CISSP For
Dummies and Security + For Dummies, Computer Viruses
For Dummies goes beyond viruses to explain other nasty computer
infections like Trojan horses, Hi Jackers, worms, phishing scams,
spyware, and hoaxes. It also profiles major antivirus software to
help you choose the best program(s) for your needs.
Remember, if you don’t protect your computer, not only do
you risk having your computer infiltrated and your data
contaminated, you risk unknowingly transmitting a virus, worm, or
other foul computer germ to everybody in your address book! This
guide will help you properly immunize your PC with antivirus
software now and install updates and security patches that are like
booster shots to keep your software protected against new
viruses.
Table of Content
Introduction 1
Part I: Evaluating Your Virus Situation 9
Chapter 1: Understanding Virus Risks 11
Chapter 2: Does My Computer Have a Virus? 23
Chapter 3: Does Your Computer Have Antivirus Software? 33
Part II: Deploying Your Antivirus Defenses 49
Chapter 4: Obtaining and Installing Antivirus Software 51
Chapter 5: Configuring Antivirus Software 75
Chapter 6: Scanning Your Computer and E-Mail 87
Chapter 7: Ridding Your Computer of Viruses 99
Part III: Maintaining Your Vigilance 115
Chapter 8: Updating Antivirus Software and Signatures 117
Chapter 9: Installing Security Patches 127
Chapter 10: Using Firewalls and Spyware Blockers 153
Chapter 11: Protecting PDAs from Viruses 181
Chapter 12: Incorporating Safe Computing Practices 189
Part IV: Looking at Viruses under the Microscope 207
Chapter 13: Viruses and the Losers Who Write Them 209
Chapter 14: Trojan Horses, Worms, Spam, and Hoaxes 221
Chapter 15: How Viruses Function and Propagate 235
Part V: The Part of Tens 247
Chapter 16: Almost Ten Myths about Computer Viruses 249
Chapter 17: Ten Antivirus Programs 255
Index 265
About the author
Peter Gregory, CISSP, CISA, has spent 20 years developing technology solutions for those who aren’t technologically oriented. He is an information security strategist for a wireless telecommunications carrier.
More ebooks from the same author(s) / Editor
3,375 Ebooks in this category
