"VIRUS...Don't you just HATE that Word?...
Well, you shouldn't!" by Ralph Moore

Recently, there has been a lot of attention on the latest round
of viruses, and the resulting chaos that they cause to business
and home users.

The mere mention of the word "virus" is enough to send chills
up and down the spine of many computer novices, as well as some
veteran network professionals.

The truth is, a virus is nothing more than another challenge
that we, as business people, are faced with on a daily basis.
While the consequences may be very harmful, there are other
issues that, left unattended, can be just as devastating to
the life and success of our businesses.

And following a few simple procedures on a REGULAR basis, can
go a long way toward minimizing the risk of losing your all-
important information, and can reduce the total cost of your
business operations.

Whenever someone asks about a new virus that is making the
rounds, I ask "When was the last time that you made a full
backup of your data?" and "When was the last time you updated
your virus definition files?"

For any serious business, a full backup should be made on a
regular basis, such as weekly, with backups of any new files
being made on a daily basis.

Virus definition files are used by your virus software to
find and quarantine, or destroy, any  viruses that have
made their way into your business. (There are over 500 new
viruses discovered every month.)

The virus definition file should be updated regularly. I
recommend that this file be updated every week, if possible,
or at least monthly, to have any chance of being effective
against new viruses.

Many virus intervention software products, such as those from
McAfee, and Norton, are now offering web-based subscription
services that will update your software and virus definition
files, without your attention.

It may be worth considering such a service, rather than
taking the chance of losing your important information.

Instead of treating viruses as a dreaded and fearful part
of operating a business, take a "pro-active" approach and
remain in control. No reason to "hate" the word 'virus'.

Be prepared for any extra work that a virus attack might cause,
and consider the preparation to be another form of "grease"
that keeps your business moving forward smoothly.

Ralph Moore, editor of the FREE Eagle Flyer Newsletter,
Provides "Motivational, Marketing and How To Technology
Tips That Can Multiply Your Business Online".
To subscribe: Email: mailto:subscribe@eagleflyer.com or
visit: http://www.eagleflyer.com