Anti-Virus Software

Every few months, a new computer virus spreads across the Internet -- you've probably heard them reported in the news. You need to protect your computer from the latest viruses.

The rule: Think twice before opening any attachment. If you didn't ask that person to send you an attachment, be EXTREMELY cautious -- even if it is from someone you know. And get yourself an anti-virus program (see below). Since new viruses are always showing up, make sure your anti-virus software is always up to date by downloading the latest virus definitions file (Symantec virus definitions or McAfee VirusScan DAT)

• Windows Anti-Virus Software:

• Macintosh Anti-Virus Software:

Some viruses affect Windows based-computers by change the "System Registry". This is a special file located in the c:\windows subdirectory that the system uses to record all its critical internal information. Some viruses also affect other internal system files located in the c:\windows subdirectory. The following programs are useful to detect and undo changes done to system files. Note: Editing the System Registry file is potentially dangerous and could make your computer inoperable -- a complete reinstalling of the operating system may be required. So be EXTREMELY careful about making any changes to the System Registry -- back up the system registry first.

• ART (Advanced Registry Tracer)
  Lets you compare any two "snapshots" of the System Registry to see what has changed. Does not monitor changes as they occurr; useful to find out what has changed after the fact. Shareware.

• Win-eXpose-Registry
  Registry Tracing/Debugging/Monitoring Windows utility which lets you examine in real time what data is stored/retrieved and where in the registry. Shareware. Publisher: Shetef Solutions Ltd.

• Win-eXpose-I/O
  Windows file I/O Tracing/Debugging/Monitoring utility, that lets you examine in real time what files each running application is using or trying to use. . Shareware. Publisher: Shetef Solutions Ltd.

• DLL World
  Large collection of *.dll, *.ocx, *.vxd Windows system files. If you can't restore a Windows system file from the Windows CD-ROM, then look here.

• Symantec (Norton Antivirus)
• McAfee
• Microsoft Security