Symantec (owners of Norton Antivirus) are warning of a serious new virus threat. This virus is called "Trojan Peacomm" or the "Storm Trojan". For details, check out this Symantec web site.
The gist is basic common sense for an Internet user. Always keep your antivirus program up to date. If you don't have one, get one, and make sure it is current.
Never open an attachment unless you expect it, and it is from a trusted source. Do not open an attachment even if you trust the sender unless you expect it. If in doubt, check with them and make sure they sent it. And even then, make sure your antivirus program is up to date before you open any attachment.
Everyone can be affected by a virus, and they can damage your computer. Some viruses will literally destroy your physical equipment. Do not underestimate how serious they are. Most are relatively harmless and can be easily detected and cured by antivirus software; some cannot. Keep backups of all critical files. Have an active firewall, and check yourself for vulnerabillities at sites such as http://grc.com.
____________________ Understanding is the reward of faith. Therefore seek not to understand that you may believe, but believe that you may understand. - Augustine
