Virus Alerts, Hoaxes & Tips

Virus Alerts dotLaunch Virus Warnings and Security Tips

It's very difficult to keep your computer safe with all that's going on today-- especially when you've got so many choices of software, protection and warnings out there.

dotLaunch Technologies has partnered with technology's most diligent companies to help you protect your computer and be informed. We've provided the following information to keep you up to date on the latest virus & hoax information, in addition to giving you some good tips to protect your computer.

Quick Links

	Emergency Online Virus Scanner If you are having immediate Virus problems, here's the place for help
	Top Viruses, Advisories, & Hoaxes Keep up-to-date on the latest threats
	Must-Have Software dotLaunch uses and recommends these programs to keep you safe
	Tips to fight Email Viruses & Spam What about my email and my website?
	Server Status & Announcements Scheduled Maintenance or Outage Problems

Virus Advisories & Threats (Click on the name of the virus for more info and help)

Must-Have Software

Virus Protection
	Norton AntiVirus Symantec's Norton AntiVirus™ removes viruses, worms, and Trojan horses automatically without interrupting your work. New Norton™ Internet Worm Protection blocks certain more sophisticated worms (such as Blaster and Sasser) before they enter your computer. Norton AntiVirus can also detect spyware and other non-virus threats.
	McAfee Virus Scan - Prevents viruses when emailing, downloading and surfing - Destroys viruses and virus-like threats - Identifies spying and pop-up ad programs - Updates automatically to protect against new threats
Safe Browsers
	The Opera Browser We here at dotLaunch will simply not use ANY other browser. Not only is it safe from the vulnerabilities of IE, it also had many added security features like, reject popups, delete cookies on exit and more. It's still has fun stuff such as mouse gestures, great skins and special effects if you want those kinds of things, but best of all... IT'S FAST! More Info
	Firefox Browser Similar to Opera, Firefox gives you quick, safe and feature-rich browsing! Stay safe, avoid viruses and spyware, and try Firefox today!
Safe Email Clients
	Thunderbird Email Client Thunderbird gives you a faster, safer, and more productive email experience. Thunderbird was designed to prevent viruses and to stop junk mail so you can get back to reading your mail. Find out more about the reasons why you should use Thunderbird as your mail client and RSS reader.
Firewalls & Spyware Checking
	Sygate Personal Firewall This is a must have on any computer. There are so many firewalls to choose from, one can get confused. We recommend running Sygate instead of an incorporated firewall (such as Microsoft or Norton). Being independant keeps it running smooth of the operating system. One more thing... IT'S FREE!
SpyBot	SpyBot Search & Destroy This is by far the best spyware program out there. It's free--even the periodic file updates--and it offers both basic and advanced modes and includes the widest variety of customization. Worth keeping on your system to check for spyware.

Email Virus & Spam Tips

VIRUS TIPS:

Keep your virus software updated OFTEN, even daily. If you do not have any virus software, it's imperative you get one. We recommend the following:
Norton AntiVirus (www.symantec.com)
Trend Micro's PC-Cillin (www.trendmicro.com)
McAfee (www.mcafee.com)
Check our virus information page often - for new information and hoaxes.
If you get caught with a virus, but do not have any virus software, you can scan and repair your computer for no charge by using Trend Micro's Housecall.
You can get there by going to http://housecall.trendmicro.com
Keep your Windows Software updated. If you use Windows, make sure you have the Windows AutoUpdate turned on. Although it may be an annoyance, it could save you a lot of time and hassle. Download and install all of the security updates and patches for any programs you use, as well as the vital windows security patches. It's hard to get into a computer if it's not vulnerable.
NEVER open any email from a person you do not know. Attackers are very clever in the way they state their email subjects, making you think it might be from someone you know. Always read the FROM address. If you do not know it, delete it. If it is important, they will try to contact you again, or another way. If you have a business and do not want to miss a potential email, then set up an exclusive email box just for business/website inquiries.

SPAM FIGHTING TIPS:

Try not to use your email on forms or when purchasing items. If you must, get a free hotmail or yahoo account to use for filling out such forms. Check it occasionally to keep it active, but consider it your junkmail address.

NEVER open any email from a person you do not know. Spammer are very clever in the way they state their email subjects, making you think it might be from someone you know. Simply by opening an email, can let them know it is a valid account. If you use Outlook or Outlook Express, turn your preview pane off - as this is the same as downloading and opening the email.

Do NOT click on the "unsubscribe" links. This usually is another way for a spammer to verify that they've reached a valid email address. Unless it is a company you know well and trust, or it is something you signed up for, leave it alone.

If you have a website, do not post your email address on it. Today's spamming software is so sophisticated and hardworking, it scans the internet, going through thousands of sites looking for valid email addresses or mailto: commands in websites. We recommend using an image with your email address on it that is not linked, or scrambling your email address so the search bots cannot read it. To use the Email Scrambler, click here.