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1993-02-11
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72 lines
BOOK REVIEW
INSIDE THE NORTON ANTIVIRUS
AUTHORS: PETER NORTON & PAUL NIELSEN
BY JULIA SLAVEY
Pentagon PC Users Group
I am a novice computer user and had just purchased my Norton
Antivirus software when I won a copy of "Inside the Norton
Antivirus." Norton Antivirus was installed on my home computer and
has proven to be useful, particularly when I received a virus alert
from Virus Intercept while checking some older floppy disks. A
review of this book has helped me understand a lot more about
viruses, the kinds of viruses, the treatments for them and
preventive measures that should be taken to prevent them.
This book discusses rogue software and who creates it; the most
common virus myths; strategies for safe computing; using Norton
Antivirus, including Virus Intercept and Virus Clinic; using Norton
Anitvirus with Windows; receiving new virus signatures; and updating
Norton Antivirus on the LAN.
Rogue software is defined as any program that runs on your computer
without your knowledge and consent. It comes in many sizes, colors
and flavors; an ANSI bomb can reprogram your keyboard so that the
F1 key becomes Format C:; a programmer may leave a secret back door
in a custom payroll program and later change a salary figure; or,
the Jerusalem virus could delete a program.
A closer look is taken at the various types of viruses and their
life cycles along with the anatomy of the three most common viruses:
the Stoned, Jerusalem, and Michelangelo viruses. Strategies for Safe
Computing is a complete list of tips to help you avoid typical
computer problems as well as viruses.
Discussions and explanations are included on common virus myths such
as: I won't get a virus; data files can be infected; if I get a
virus, I'll know it; bulletin boards spread viruses; backups are
useless against a virus; computers just aren't safe any more -- they
are a security threat to society; a good virus?; destructive computer
programs are a relatively new thing; viruses are reaching epidemic
levels; antivirus software is virtually useless -- 1,000 new viruses
are discovered each year; a PC virus might take down the mainframe;
a read only file is safe from virus infection; a nasty virus might
get past the write-protect tab on a diskette; a virus can damage the
computer hardware; and to avoid a date-activated virus, just change
the date on the computer.
Instructions are given for getting started with Norton Antivirus
including building the Rescue Diskette and using the tools that come
with the program. Norton Antivirus is defined as a mature
virus-fighting utility, providing a balance of thorough transparent
protection, compatibility with DOS, Windows, and LANs, and ease of
operation. Virus Intercept warns of virus sightings and Virus Clinic
seeks and destroys viruses. These programs, used in partnership can
provide a sound defense against computer viruses. Planning is needed
to protect against the threat of computer virus. The best planning
includes careful system configuration, including Virus Intercept and
Virus Clinic and a good toolbox of utilities, including the Rescue
diskette.
Information is provided on updating Norton Antivirus to provide
protection against tomorrow's virus in two ways. Norton Antivirus
maintains file signatures that identify virus activity, even from an
unknown virus, and the NAV Virus Identification Lab keeps you
updated with new virus signatures as they become available.
I found this book very informative and feel that it explains virus
causes and cures very well. The information about the Virus NewsLine,
which is an automated newsletter that provides updated information
about viruses, and Norton Antivirus is helpful.