Gateway ALR 8200 Manual De Usuario

Maintaining and Cleaning Your System     23

A virus is a program written with malicious intent for the sole purpose of 
creating havoc in a computer system. It attaches itself to executable files or 
boot sectors, so it can replicate and spread. Some viruses may only cause 
your system to beep or display messages or images on the screen. Other 
viruses are highly destructive and corrupt or erase the contents of your files 
or diskettes. To be safe, never assume any virus is harmless.

Viruses spread through direct contact with executable programs or boot 
sectors. Diskettes used in a contaminated system can get a virus and 
transfer the virus when used in another system. A virus can also spread 
through programs downloaded from bulletin boards or the Internet.

•

Obtain an anti-virus program and scan the system regularly.

•

Make backup copies of all files and write-protect the diskettes.

•

Obtain all software from reputable sources and always scan new 
software for any viruses prior to installing files.

If you suspect your system has been infected, find and remove the viruses 
immediately using an anti-virus program. Next, turn off your system and 
leave it off for at least 15 seconds before turning it back on. This is the only 
way to ensure the virus does not remain in your system RAM.

To protect your system against viruses

4078tl.book  Page 23  Tuesday, December 22, 1998  2:19 PM