Symptoms of a virus infection can be:

• An increase in file size.
• Slowdown of program execution.
• Appearance of "foreign" files.
• Reduction in total available conventional memory.
• Appearance of strange video and sound effects.
• Unexplained connection problems and premature dropouts.
• Computer randomly rebooting for no apparent reason.

If you experience any of the above, or any other unusual behavior on your PC we advise you to check your system for viruses immediately.

Central Command’s - Ten Simple Rules to Follow for Safer Computing

1. Shut down your PC when it is not use. This is especially important if you are continually connected online, as this will prevent anyone from gaining access to your PC while you are away.
2. Stay alert. It is important to keep updated with the latest security threats and computer vulnerabilities. One way to do so is by bookmarking your favorite security vendor’s website and subscribing to multiple security alert news mailers.
3. Install anti-virus and personal firewall software. Installation of security software helps combat viruses and other malicious applications from penetrating your PC as well as keeping unwanted intruders out. This includes having the latest Microsoft patches installed.
4. Keep your anti-virus software up-to-date. With anywhere from three to 30 new virus signatures detected daily, updating your anti-virus software is just as important as the installation itself.
5. Scan your PC weekly. Performing an initial "deep" scan of your PC, will inform you as to any infectious files possibly hiding within the system. As daily signatures are accounted for, weekly scans assure that your PC is clean.
6. Don't open e-mail attachments. Most current virus threats are problematic because PC users blindly click open e-mail attachments. Keep in mind a good many mass mailing worms are now coded to automatically collect e-mail messages from address books and cached Internet pages. Unfortunately, this means infected attachments can come from known sources, such as family and friends. If opening an e-mail attachment is absolutely necessary, save the attachment first (one option is to your Desktop), and perform a virus scan prior to opening.
7. Do not accept file transfers. With the ever-increasing popularity of Instant Messaging software like ICQ and MSN Messenger, a new breed of viruses recently emerged specifically designed to exploit these applications. Under no circumstances should a file transfer be accepted and the download ran without first initiating a virus scan.
8. Practice extreme caution when downloading files from the Internet. It is good practice to validate the source of the downloaded file first. After the file has been verified, performing a virus scan prior to opening is the next recommended step.
9. Do not give out unnecessary information. Either personal or regarding your PC security configurations (passwords, etc.), even to family and friends.
10. Be smart. Use common sense. A majority of malicious applications rely heavily on social engineering to peek users’ curiosity, which then leads to execution of the malware. Needless to say, if you receive an attachment claiming to be a "stolen" copy of the next upcoming "Star Wars" movie, you may want to think twice before carelessly opening. Additionally, make sure you are continually backing up your files on a regular basis. If something unforunate should happen, you will be able to restore those files and stay operational.