Preventing and Dealing with Computer Viruses [Knowledge Base Index]

The nature of online volunteering means a lot of contact between computers -- emails, attachments, transfers of files, etc. Because of this interaction, volunteers and organizations can be at risk for transmitting computer viruses between each other.

Most computer viruses are merely annoying -- the most common reported by online volunteers are those that alter Microsoft Word macro functions, and those that attach meaningless files to emails. But there are a few that can lead to system crashes and other serious problems, such as the "Melissa" virus of April 1999, which launched emails with a virus attached to everyone in a user's address book without the user knowing about it.

Often, nonprofit and public sector organizations don't have a lot of understanding about computer viruses. They often don't know how to distinguish between real virus warnings and the many "hoax" warnings that permeate the Internet, or they don't know how to tell when a computer is infected by a virus, let alone how to clean it.

Online volunteers assisting an agency should ask the organization what kind of anti-virus software is on the agency's computers and if it is updated regularly. Online volunteers should also tell the agency what kind of virus software they use and should make sure that they, too, upgrade it regularly (most manufacturers post free updates on their web sites at least every quarter). A good online task for a volunteer could be to let the organization know when an upgrade for their particular virus software is available, and how to download it and install it on their various computers. If the organization does not have anti-virus software, an online volunteer could help them identify some options. And if the organization does not have anti-virus software, it is especially important that online volunteers have it on their computers!

PLEASE NOTE: these are merely suggestions, with no expressed or implied warranty, guarantee, or formal commercial endorsement. Please read carefully all manufacturer's materials regarding software before downloading any product. UNV nor organizations you are assisting can be held responsible for problems on your computer that may arise from your downloading and use of the materials referred below, or for viruses your computer may encounter as part of an online volunteering assignment.

Various online volunteers have provided the following index of links to sites to educate others about computer viruses, and to help online volunteers prevent computer viruses from infecting their computers and from being passed on from their computers to others.
 

Index of Anti-Virus Resources

AVERT
By NAI Network Association, , provides updates on the latest viruses, explaining in detail what each are and how to prevent them or cure them.

McAfee.com
Includes a clinic section with information to protect your system from any virus, new or old. Also includes downloads and upgrades for McAfee products.

Symantec AntiVirus Research Center's Online Encyclopedia
Symantec makes Norton AntiVirus software. This page offers a Virus Encyclopedia, information on hoaxes and jokes, a monthly calendar listing trigger dates for viruses, a reference area, a place to submit virus samples, and a section to download virus definitions for Norton AntiVirus users.

VMyths: The truth about computer virus myths and hoaxes
Includes a list of Hoax virus alerts, FAQs, a listing of myths and urban legends, a list of NON-virus hoaxes and urban legends, "overblown" virus threats, misconceptions about genuine threats, joke virus alerts, and alternate names for hoaxes and real viruses.

Virus Bulletin Home page
Highlights the latest information on computer viruses, and includes a Virus Prevalence Table telling you which viruses are currently being reported.

CIAC Virus Database
CIAC (Computer Incident Advisory Capability) a U.S. Government Organization, gathered information about computer viruses, and maintained a virus database. This database is no longer being maintained. They also prepared a Hoax Busters Web site. CIAC was an element of the Computer Security Technology Center (CSTC) which supports the Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL).

AGN's Page for the Internet
Includes a lot of information on viruses. It is divided into many helpful sections: Virus Warning, Anti-Virus Scanner-Test, Macro-Viruses, Amiga Group, Machintosh Group and PC Group.

Virus Research Unit
Concentrates on computer anti-virus research, including analysis of anti-virus products and development of tools for computer anti-virus research.

Vet Web Site
By Computer Associates Pty Ltd, this site includes latest information of the new viruses. It also includes information on many Anti-Virus software packages.

Dr. Solomon's On-Line
By Network Association Company, this site includes virus alerts, news, research, primers and descriptions in it Virus Central, and a page that helps you determine if your computer has a virus or not. It also includes a section that gives you a review of award-winning anti-virus products.

AVP Virus Encyclopedia
By Metropolitan Network BBS Inc., this site has a general information section that includes a a glossary, classification of computer viruses, and computer virus detection and removal methods. It gives quick links to AVP products and downloads.

Grisoft Inc.'s Virus Scan program
This free virus software will scan all incoming mail. User friendly and free for personal use. It will scan files as they are being downloaded from the internet, and, for Outlook and Outlook Express users, it will automatically scan in-coming and out-going e-mail.

Free Anti-Virus Software
An index of free anti-virus software compiled by thefreesite.com