Protecting your Computer from Virus Attacks
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Ask the Help Desk - How do I Open Email Attachments Using Outlook Express 6.0?
Great Sites to Check Out This Month
Short Tutorial - Making Email from Certain People Standout in your Inbox
What's the key to preventing viruses? Caution first and software second.
Computer viruses are often spread by email and web-based downloads, sometimes disguised as games, images, or ordinary-looking documents that when opened can damage your computer files or operating system. To guard your computer, read the tips on our Virus Prevention page under the Web Tools section of our website.
We also suggest:
- VCatch from CommonSearch -
FREE basic version or $19.95 for Premium version
VCatch protects your computer from web viruses by checking all the files sent or downloaded to your computer via email and web applications. If VCatch detects a file suspected to be a virus, the software automatically deletes the file and notifies you.
VCatch supports Microsoft Outlook and Outlook Express email programs. Vcatch also protects your computer from viruses downloaded using Internet Explorer or Netscape Navigator web browsers, files sent to your computer by ICQ, and files downloaded using popular file-sharing software such as iMesh and KaZaA.
VCatch automatically updates its virus list each time a new virus is detected on the Internet. VCatch, which enables you to set the preferred security level, also scans for suspicious characteristics, protecting your computer from unknown as well as known viruses.
- Norton
AntiVirus from Symantec - FREE 15-day trial or purchase for $49.95
(online delivery/download available).
This easy-to-use software scans and cleans incoming and outgoing email messages and instant-message attachments. It defends against viruses, worms, Trojan horses and fast-moving script-based viruses such as "ILOVEYOU." automatically without interrupting your work. Automatic updates help defend your PC against new viruses. It includes easy step-by-step instructions for installation, even on a computer that has already been infected.
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Question: I recently updated my e-mail software to Outlook Express Version 6.0. Now that I've done this, I can't open any e-mail attachments. I can see attachments in my inbox, but they are highlighted with a gray color and I can't open them. Please help!
Answer: Microsoft has added a filtering feature into Version 6.0 of their Outlook Express e-mail software. The purpose of this feature is to block any email potentially infected with a virus from being opened by e-mail recipients. It's a great idea. The challenge, however, is that it appears that ALL attachments are blocked, no matter what the content. The feature is a default setting on Version 6.0 so you'll need to go in manually to change the setting if you want to be able to open e-mail attachments. To remove this default setting, follow these easy steps:
- Open Outlook Express.
- Click your cursor arrow on "Tools" in the menu bar, and select "Options."
- When the "Options" window opens, click your cursor arrow on the Security tab.
- A checked box will appear that says, "Do not allow attachments to be saved or opened that could potentially be a virus." Click your cursor arrow on the box to uncheck it.
- Click "OK" to save the change and then close Outlook Express. When you re-open Outlook Express, you should now be able to open incoming e-mail attachments. Remember to scan all e-mail attachments with your virus scanning software before opening them -- even if the attachment is from a friend.
From the U.S. Department of Homeland Security -
http://ready.gov
Because of the threat of further terrorist attacks against America, both at home and abroad, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security has developed this website. It contains tips on planning for the unexpected in case of biological or chemical threats, explosions, radiation threats, etc. The main points covered are: make a kit, make a plan, and be informed. Go to this important site for details.
Famous Quotations -
http://quotationspage.com
Will Rogers once said, "Diplomacy is the art of saying 'nice doggie' until you can find a rock." This site contains a searchable database of over 15,000 quotations. You'll find interesting, inspiring quotes by presidents, philosophers, comedians, scientists and writers. "I'm a great believer in luck, and I find the harder I
work, the more I have of it." - Thomas Jefferson
Helpful Tax Information -
http://www.irs.gov
Have you filed your federal income tax return yet? Are you expecting a refund but haven't yet received it? You can find out where your refund is by clicking your cursor arrow on the "Individuals" link found under the "Contents" section of the IRS home page. Next, click on the "Where's My Refund?" link to securely view your refund information. If you are still gathering information to file your 2002 tax return and want to review highlights on changes to the 2002 tax code, again go to the IRS home page. Type in "553" in the space indicated under "Search Forms and Publications for:" and click your cursor arrow on the "GO" button. The resulting web page (Publication 553) will provide you with an overview of the latest information on tax code changes.
Fun Online Games and Activities for Young Kids -
http://noggin.com
Are you looking for some fun, safe games to play online with your young kids or grandchildren? Here's the perfect site. (You'll have to have Shockwave installed to participate in some of the activities.) Start out playing "Play With Me Sesame." (No Shockwave needed.) The little tots will love it! Other games and activities feature characters from Maisy, Blue's Clues, Franklin, and more.
March Madness! -
http://FinalFour.net
It's time for some March Madness! This link takes you to the official site of both the Men's and Women's NCAA Basketball Championships. Read what the athletes, coaches and commentators are saying. The site also provides a history of the Final Four, a Championship Video Archive, articles highlighting recent big games, as well as bracket and ticket information.
Do you want e-mails from specific people to stand out more in your Inbox? You can use the Outlook Express "Messages Rules" feature to cause incoming e-mail from specific senders to show up in color. You choose the sender(s) and the corresponding color(s). You can also do this for groups of people, i.e. designate all incoming e-mail from family to show up in your Inbox in the color green, designate all incoming e-mail from co-workers to be blue, etc. Here's how to set up your message rules:
Using Microsoft Outlook Express 5.5 Client Software via Windows 98
- Open Outlook Express.
- Click your cursor arrow on the "Tools" menu and drop down to "Message Rules." Then click on "Mail" from the resulting submenu.
- Click on the "New" button and the "New Mail Rule" window will appear. It contains four sections that will need your input. The first is the area in which you select the conditions for your rule. The second area is where you choose the actions that will occur in your rule. The third matches the specific condition with the specific action's result. The last allows you to name the rule.
- Select the condition for your new rule by clicking on its check box. In this case, there is only one condition that applies, 'Where the From line contains people." Move down to the third section where it says "Rule Description" and click "contains people." Type in an e-mail address, click "Add" and then click "OK."
- Now, move to the "Select the actions for your rule" area and select the "Highlight it with color" check box. Move to "Rule Description" and click "color." Select your color and click "OK."
- Back in the "New Mail Rule" window, click "OK." Now click "OK" to exit the "Message Rules" window and save your settings.
Any mail from the specified sender will appear in the color that you selected.
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Gallatin River Internet