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 is the editor of the FREE Eagle Flyer Newsletter, which offers "How To Technology and Tips That Can Multiply Your Business Online". To subscribe to the Eagle Flyer and receive a FREE report, visit: Eagle Flyer