Most users who surf the web or transfer email don't need to worry about running into a virus. Generally, commercial sites are pretty safe. It is fairly rare that you'll run into a virus on the web. However, if you have friends who send you file attachments with programs, or ever download software from unsafe areas of the net, then you should protect your system will a good virus protection program such as Norton Anti-Virus or McAfee's VirusScan and WebScanX programs. New virus information and updates are released all the time. It is good to frequently visit the manufactures website to keep up-to-date with the latest releases for protection.

A word about the Good Times Virus Hoax

Here is another example of a common hoax email:

******************************VIRUS WARNING************************************ 
If you receive an email titled "JOIN THE CREW" DO NOT open it. It will
erase everything on your hard drive. Forward this letter out to as many
people as you can. This is a new, very malicious virus and not many people
know about it. This information was announced yesterday morning from IBM;
please share it with everyone that might access the internet.

Once again, pass this along to EVERYONE in your address book so that this
may be stopped. Also, do not open or even look at any mail that says
"RETURNED OR UNABLE TO DELIVERY" This virus will attach itself to your
computer components and render them useless. Immediately delete any mail
items that say this. AOL has said that this is a very dangerous virus and
that there is NO remedy for it at this time. 

Please practice cautionary measures and forward this to all your online
friends ASAP.

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