The IECC does not endorse one software program or one web site over another.

Virus Information

With the onslaught of viruses, worms and hoaxes, make sure you have an antiviral software, update it very regularly, and check the various websites below to stay informed.

You can find information and instructions on how to configure your e-mail program to send text-only messages on the following page.

Here are a few information sites on viruses that may be of interest to some:

• The WildList Organization
• The Federal Computer Incident Response Center

Hoaxes

Sometimes it's hard to tell if the information you receive on viruses is real or a hoax, you can find some good information on the following sites:

• Security Response - Hoaxes
• Hoaxbusters
• Virus Hoaxes & Realities

Below are a few popular anti-virus software in use today, but many more good anti-virus software programs and virus updates can be found at Strouds' website.

Free Anti-Virus Software

• AVG Anti-Virus System - A free product which screens incoming E-mail for viruses, and allows you unlimited updates.

• InoculateIT PE - From Strouds: Rating 5 of 5 -- It's true that InoculateIT PE lacks the attractive interface, blazing speed, and advanced features of more costly alternatives. Still, it's hard to argue with a service that provides you with a free scanner, free definition updates, and free support. Combined with a solid if not spectacular feature-set, the more than adequate IPE scanner is a perfect solution for users seeking a completely free -- but comprehensive -- virus protection service. (Although this program has ended, they will continue to issue virus updates to users.)

Commercial Anti-Virus Software

• McAfee VirusScan - From Strouds: Rating 5 of 5 -- VirrusScan 4 makes for a formidable opponent in the Virus Scanner category. The competition has continually strived to narrow the gap, with Norton AntiVirus and InoculateIT Personal Edition currently coming the closest to matching VirusScan's many benefits. Norton does so for its excellent scanning capabilities and rich set of features, while InoculateIT PE has a freeware price tag and continually updated virus definition files on its side. Despite these efforts, VirusScan remains arguably the best virus scanner in the industry.

• Norton AntiVirus - From Strouds: Rating 5 of 5 -- Norton AntiVirus offers some of the best protection available for viruses. The client also offers excellent help resources for viruses through the Web, especially the incomparable AntiVirus Research Center. While no slouch at detecting viruses, Norton AntiVirus does lack the blitzkrieg-like speed of its closest competitors. Still, if you're looking for a relatively fast, extremely dependable virus scanner with free updates and excellent online help resources, Norton AntiVirus remains your best bet.