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Known Users

Helping you cope with the virus



Author:
Date: January, 1989
Keywords: virus tips hints
Text: SOME GENERAL TIPS Here are some tips for keeping your systems virus-free: * Run virus checks before backing up your new software. * Backup, backup, backup. And archive more than just the most recent backup. * Never (as in never!) work with original master disks. Write-protect them and make copies. Use the copies to install and run programs. The argument is that if you don't have uninfected original disks, you won't be able to replace applications that have been infected by the virus. * Keep unfamiliar software on floppy disks and off hard disks until you are sure it's clean. * If you are into disk swapping, be suspicious of all new programs. * Don't be in a hurry to put new software on a hard disk. When it's new, run it from a floppy first with the hard disk turned off. Some viruses are timed to appear later and their effects may not show up right away. HOW TO DETECT IT Fortunately, we are not defenseless. Since only applications, such as WriteNow and HyperCard, are vulnerable, data and document files can be safely stored on an unprotected disk. And there is software available to help detect and eradicate viruses, although prevention is the best medicine. Here are some programs available: * Vaccine -- Created by CE Software of Des Moines, this will warn you if there are changes to applications and the system. It's highly recommended. * Ferret -- This program seeks out and destroy the Scores virus. * Interferon -- This will seek out, but not destroy, a number of possible viral infections. You still have to do the dirty work -- but someone has to, right? * Virus Detective DA -- This desk accessory is designed to track down a virus attached to your files. It's shareware; please send your $10 if you find it helpful. * Virus RX -- This is a freeby from Apple, but it only diagnoses, not cures, the SCORES virus. Some of these virus fighters are on the disk-of-the-month for January. Let SMUG know if you need further assistance. THE CURE!
Here are some tips on virus eradication: * Back up your data files. * Erase the infected disk. A hard disk needs to be reinitialized. * Check your application's master disk for infection. (See related story for details on detection software.) * Restore system files and applications from the original master disks, the ones you just tested for infection. * Run a detection program again to make sure no viral traces remain. * Check any other disks you've used recently. * Install Virus Detective* and make periodic checks to see if your Mac is ''sick.''

Copyright © january, 1989 by Date: January, 1989


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