NEC P8510 manual What can I do to keep my notebook virus-free?, What is a computer virus?

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What is a computer virus?

Computer viruses are man-made and share some of the behaviours of biological viruses. A computer virus passes from computer to computer like a biological virus passes from person to person. Similarities also exist at a deeper level: a biological virus is not a living thing and has to reproduce itself by infecting cells. A computer virus must be transmitted on top of some other program or document in order to get executed. Once running, it is then able to infect other programs or documents.

Is my notebook virus-free?

Most viruses have strange effects on your notebook. On the other hand, many viruses are carefully programmed to avoid betraying their presence. The solution to this dilemma is not to assume anything, but to rely upon antivirus software as a diagnostic tool.

What are the different types of viruses?

Boot sector viruses - a boot sector virus infects your notebook by replacing the boot sector program with its own infected version. The boot sector program is the first piece of software that is loaded when you start your notebook. It is installed on every hard disk, floppy disk or CD. Without a boot sector, a notebook cannot run any software at all. A boot sector virus will only be effective if you start your notebook using an infected floppy disk or an infected bootable CD. An example of a boot sector virus is “Parity Boot”. This virus displays the message “PARITY CHECK” and freezes the operating system.

Macro viruses - a macro is an instruction that carries out program commands automatically. Many common applications like Microsoft® Word and Microsoft® Excel make use of these macros. Macro viruses are macros that self-replicate. If a user accesses a document containing a viral macro, the macro virus will be executed. Any document on that machine using the same application can then become infected. The infection process only ends when the virus is noticed and all viral macros are eradicated.

Worms - these are the most popular types of viruses. They infect your notebook through e-mail. If you double-click on the attachment in such a mail, the virus starts sending mail to all the entries in your e-mail program's Address Book. This creates a lot of traffic on the Internet and slows down connection speed. A famous example is the Code Red worm, which replicated itself over 250,000 times in approximately nine hours on July 19, 2001.

Trojan Horse - this type of computer virus disguises itself as a funny program, which you can download from the Internet. It can also present itself as an e-mail attachment. Once the program is running the virus will for instance format your hard drive. The famous "I Love You" virus is an example of such a virus. Trojan horses only hit a small number of people because they are discovered quickly.

Hoax - a hoax is not a typical computer virus, but it can act as one. You may have already received an email from a friend warning you of a new virus. In most cases you are requested to forward this e-mail to all entries in your Address Book. Most of these warnings are a hoax and won’t do any damage to your notebook. Computers users who are unaware of these hoaxes tend to forward such e-mail to others, thus creating a lot of traffic on the Internet and slowing down connection speed.

What can I do to keep my notebook virus-free?

An antivirus program is installed on your notebook. Keep this antivirus scanner up-to-date and running. It is capable of recognising and eliminating most kinds of viruses before they can do any harm. These programs have a tendency to get outdated, because new viruses appear each time. Most antivirus software enables you to download the latest virus definitions from their websites that will recognise the newest viruses. You will also find the latest news about viruses and hoaxes.

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Contents NEC Versa P8510 Series Table of Contents About Your Electronic User’s Guide Text SetupElectronic User’s Guide For specific models onlyBasic Care and Handling Tips Be sure to follow these power cord safety tips Precautions for Notebook UseStorage Requirements Routine CleaningGetting to Know Your Notebook Introducing Your NEC VersaFront View of the Notebook Page Back View of the Notebook Right Side View of the Notebook Left Side View of the NotebookBottom View of the Notebook Keyboard LED Behaviour Tap this icon once to turn On/Off ECO settings. This is a Multimedia Sensors with LED IndicatorPower saving mode Tap this icon once to turn On/Off the Bluetooth WirelessPage Function Keys Optional Accessories Power ButtonTouchpad Left Click Button Right Click Button Description Using the TouchpadTouchpad Tips AC Adaptor Power SourcesUsing the Battery Connecting the AC AdaptorLow Battery Power Charging the BatteryConserving Battery Power Power Management FeaturesBattery Precautions Replacing the BatteryInstalling the Battery in your Notebook Removing the Battery in your NotebookDisposing of the Battery Handling the BatteryEntering Bios Setup Introducing Bios Setup for Windows VistaBios Setup Menus Use Bios Setup toFor Windows Vista Operating system setup Windows Vista Operating System SetupWindows Vista Operating System Introduction Windows Vista Operating SystemsWindows Language Selection Dual Boot 2 languages English and Traditional ChineseFor Hong Kong dual boot models only Taskbar Icons Windows Vista Operating SystemDesktop Icons Technical Support Information Start MenuPower Plan Managing System Power Windows Vista Operating SystemWindows Vista Operating System Power Options Properties Advanced AlarmsFrequently Asked Questions FAQ Windows Vista Tips for Using Windows VistaSystem Configuration Label Applications Adobe Reader Bluetooth Wireless Technology Blu-ray Page Easy DVD Burning for the Digital Home CyberLink MakeDiscImport All Kinds of File Formats Including Record TV Create Stylish DVD MenusCyberLink SoftDMA 10-in1 Protection McAfee Internet Security Suite with Site AdvisorTMSafe Search and Surf Home License Subscription ServiceStops Viruses Halts HackersImproves Computer Health Backs Up and Restores FilesSecures Your Identity Prevents Spam and Email ScamMusic Roxio Creator LJData Back UpAdvanced Options More FeaturesSRS Premium Sound General Information about Optical Discs Using your NEC Versa Removable Disk DrivesOptical Drive Disc LoadingOptical Disc Drive Care Disc CareHard Disk Drive BaysProtecting Your Notebook From Damage Protecting Your Notebook From Power OutagesTaking Care of Your Notebook Keeping Your Notebook in Good Condition Security Operating Environment First Time Use Preventive MaintenanceDaily WeeklyUse these steps to prepare your notebook for shipping Shipping Your NotebookConnecting using a Modem Bluetooth Wireless Technology / Wireless LANModem Local Area Network LANPreparing for Travel Power ConnectionsWhat To Take Getting Through CustomsConnecting / Using a LAN Connecting / Using Your ModemConnecting / Using a Wireless LAN Using Peripheral Devices USB Devices Video AudioVary Your Workday Practise Some Stretching Exercises Setting Up a Healthy Work EnvironmentCheck the following Arrange Your EquipmentYour Chair Your Screen Your DeskYour Input Devices Practise Some Stretching Exercises Reducing the Risk of InjuriesVary Your Workday Three Stages of Repetitive Strain Injury Potential Medical ConditionsRepetitive Strain Injury Pre-Existing Conditions and Psychosocial Factors Epilepsy WarningProblem Resolution Problem ChecklistIf You Need Assistance Start-Up ProblemsNEC Recovery Program from backup partition Recovery Information for Windows VistaPartial Recovery Full RecoveryBackup your personal files Return your notebook to its original configurationPage Page Other files If You Wish to Perform a Full RecoveryWhere can I find the call centre phone number? Frequently Asked QuestionsTechnical Support Boot ProblemsComputer Viruses What can I do to keep my notebook virus-free? What is a computer virus?Is my notebook virus-free? What are the different types of viruses?How do I connect to the internet? InternetHow can I narrow down a search on the Internet? How do search engines work?Ieee 1394 Devices Ieee 1394 Devices and Digital VideoAre cookies a threat to privacy? Can a virus attach itself to cookies?What are the benefits of Digital Video? What is the Digital Video DV format?Digital Video Safety Notices Modifications to the Product Safety WarningRadio Frequency Interference Statement Radio Frequency InterferenceConnections and Remote Earth Safety Extra Low Voltage SelvProtected Extra Low Voltage Pelv Remote EarthPower Supply Power Supply and CablesSingapore, Hong Kong, Bangladesh and Maldives PhilippinesBatteries Thunderstorm Warning Laser Compliance StatementRadio-communication Regulation if applicable Additional NoticesProduct Storage Environment Guidelines Electrostatic Discharge ESD and ESD ProtectionRecommended Environment OperationTerm Definition GlossaryIeee Li-IonNeccap Software License Limited Warranty Disclaimer CopyrightCopyright Trademarks Official Name of the Software Used