Boost computer virus resistance

Computer viruses are perhaps so enigmatic because they can differ greatly depending on type. Some are mere nuisances, the result of a foolish prank. Others, however, can be a death sentence for a computer. Being able to distinguish between the different types of viruses is a good way to ensure you aren't one of the many who've suffered their wrath.

• Boot sector viruses: Each time you start your computer, you boot it. Aboot virus can infect a file on your hard drive that automatically executes each time you boot your computer. Aboot virus can also infect files on a floppy disk, and is often transmitted via floppy disk

• Macro viruses: Arguably the most difficult viruses to detect, macro files attach themselves to files and not programs. They're often attached to language in specific programs, such word processing and spreadsheet applications. While they're the most difficult to detect, they're also the most common. Some, however, can be relatively harmless. A recent example was the wazzu virus, which inserted the word "wazzu" into Microsoft Word documents, proving that a virus can be a nuisance but not necessarily destructive.

• Trojan horse: Though not technically a virus, Trojan horses have damaged many a hard drive in their day. Unsolicited junk e-mails from senders whose names you don't recognize often have Trojan horses in them. Once these e-mails are opened, as any Greek mythology student can likely detect, several attackers are released onto a computer's hard drive, making the Trojan horse a very harrowing problem. The best thing a person can do is immediately delete and not even open e-mails in which the sender's name is unrecognizable. Many times, the subject lines of such emails are comical or promise rewards or miracle cures. It's important to remember these e-mails likely won't provide you any rewards, but could offer a lot of grief, instead.

Because viruses are always the result of user action, make sure you steer clear of unknown e-mails and keep your computer safe with antivirus protection. You'll need to update your anti-virus software regularly because new viruses are created every day.