They can show up anywhere, in e-mail messages, word processing documents/macros, or in files that are downloaded from the Internet. They may lie hidden in your computer's memory for months, waiting for a certain date or for you to activate a program they've entered. Some of them can wreak enough havoc on your PC to make Ebola look like an electronic case of the sniffles. They are computer viruses, and unless you have a program that offers some protection, your computer is a prime target for infection.
Once active in your computer's memory, a virus can perform a number of negative functions, including destruction of data files, corruption of BIOS settings; some even reformat your hard drive. For instance, if the Form.A virus makes its way onto your computer, several annoying things happen on the 18th of every month: unused hard disk sectors become damaged, certain keys beep when they are pressed, and the monitor displays a rather obscene reference to a woman named Corinne.
There are some 10,000 computer viruses that have been cataloged and identified. Of those, approximately 700 are "in the wild," or known to be in circulation. The Symantec AntiVirus Research Center reports that between three and six new computer viruses are discovered every day. That's why it's important to get some type of virus protection as soon as possible.
One program that comes highly recommended is Dr. Solomon's Anti-Virus Toolkit. It's excellent for wild virus detection and removal, and uses a simple interface that provides every antivirus feature you need on one screen. Among the Toolkit's more attractive features is an on-screen virus encyclopedia, which lists every known virus and their effects on a computer. Dr. Solomon also comes with a bootable floppy disk which lets you find and destroy a virus on any system. The Toolkit has an option that lets you do monthly virus updates online. Trial versions of Dr. Solomon's Anti-Virus Toolkit are available for download at their website ([url=http://www.drsolomon.com]http://www.drsolomon.com[/url]); the full version costs between $60-$70.
Another good antivirus program is Norton AntiVirus 2.0. Like the Toolkit, all of the features you need to scan and remove viruses are listed on one screen. Norton AntiVirus also lets you download virus updates online, and has a Virus Repair Wizard that gives information on the type of virus being removed.
While it doesn't remove as many wild viruses as Dr. Solomon's program, Norton does have some other unique features like a scheduling program that lets the computer scan drives for viruses automatically. You can also program functions to have viruses removed automatically, or you can go through a step-by-step procedure that lets you see every anti-virus action being taken. Norton AntiVirus costs about the same as Dr. Solomon's Toolkit; you can download a 30-day trial version at their website ([url=http://www.symantec.com]http://www.symantec.com[/url]).
McAfee VirusScan is the least expensive of the three. The standard version of VirusScan has been seen selling for as little as $39.95. There is a slight tradeoff for the value. The other two programs can detect more wild viruses than McAfee's program, but VirusScan is able to remove more viruses than the Toolkit or Norton AntiVirus. VirusScan is the only program of the three that's available for every major operating system (Windows 3.1, 95 and NT, DOS, or OS/2). Like the other virus detection programs listed above, McAfee also offers a trial version of VirusScan; you can download it at their website ([url=http://www.mcafee.com]http://www.mcafee.com[/url]).
Here are a few other steps you can take to stay virus-free:
In the next article, we'll describe the functions of a computer's BIOS (basic input-output system) and how it can increase a computer's performance. Upcoming issues will discuss fraud on the Internet, and reviews of websites related to the movies and auto repairs. As always, your comments are welcome. If you have any questions or suggestions about this column, or there's a website or product you'd like us to review, please contact me.
Editor's note: Dynamic Chiropractic has not been spared the wrath of computer viruses, although our system is protected with both Norton 2.0 and McAfee's VirusScan. One day we received a file that American Online downloaded into a folder and opened before either antivirus programs had a chance to scan. By opening the file, AOL had spread the Concept virus into our system. We had to reinstall Microsoft Word 97 and reset the operating system's taskbar to its original position.
Michael Devitt
Huntington Beach, California
Tel: (714) 960-6577
Fax: (714) 536-1482
Editorial@DCMedia.com
When sports chiropractors first appeared at the Olympic Games in the 1980s, it was alongside individual athletes who had experienced the benefits of chiropractic care in their training and recovery processes at home. Fast forward to Paris 2024, where chiropractic care was available in the polyclinic for all athletes, and the attitude has now evolved to recognize that “every athlete deserves access to sports chiropractic."
It is estimated that 61% of patients with CTS avoid taking surgical options due to postoperative complications and costly surgical procedures. Chiropractic care offers a comprehensive and effective treatment for carpal tunnel syndrome, addressing the condition from multiple angles. Recent studies also have unveiled a game-changing adjunct to chiropractic treatments for CTS: nerve flossing.
Some doctors thrive in a personality-based clinic and have a loyal following no matter what services or equipment they offer, but for most chiropractic offices who are trying to grow and expand, new equipment purchases help us stay relevant and continue to service our client base in the best, most up-to-date manner possible. So, regarding equipment purchasing: should you lease, get a bank loan, or pay cash?
