Computer Viruses For Dummies (Paperback)

~ (Author) "There's an old saying: "Just because you're not paranoid doesn't mean that everyone isn't out to get you..." (more)
Key Phrases: spyware blockers, entire computer for viruses, configuring antivirus software, Maintaining Your Vigilance, Internet Explorer, Deploying Your Antivirus Defenses (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description

* Offers real, practical solutions to help ordinary users keep viruses out of their e-mail in-boxes-and explains how to respond when one slips through
* In 2003, there was a major virus attack almost every month, which cost businesses worldwide an estimated $55 billion and did untold damage to home computers
* Explains what viruses are and how they work, profiles major anti-virus software packages, shows how to keep anti-virus software updated, and helps people adopt safer computer work habits
* The book's value price and compact size will make it irresistible to people who need to protect their home PC or network

From the Back Cover

Build up your defenses against online germ warfare

Discover how viruses work and how to outsmart the cyber-thugs who create them

Viruses, worms, and Trojan horses create a serious health problem for your PC, but this handy little book has the antidote! It’ll help you exterminate those nasty bugs and protect your system from catching more. Find out how to choose the right antivirus software, develop healthy computing habits, and keep your PC happy.

The Dummies Way

• Explanations in plain English
• "Get in, get out" information
• Icons and other navigational aids
• Tear-out cheat sheet
• Top ten lists
• A dash of humor and fun

Discover how to:

• Understand how worms and Trojan horses work
• Practice safe surfing
• Block spyware and set up a firewall
• Cure an existing virus infection
• Use virus protection effectively

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Product Details

• Paperback: 288 pages
• Publisher: For Dummies; illustrated edition edition (August 27, 2004)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0764574183
• ISBN-13: 978-0764574184
• Product Dimensions: 8.4 x 5.4 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 10.6 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #521,920 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

8 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Viruses and More, September 17, 2004

By	John Matlock "Gunny" (Winnemucca, NV) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

The one thing about viruses that I've always wanted to know: why do people want to write and propagate virus programs. Surprisingly he does make some comments about virus writers, not to specifically identify them, but to give some history and general comments. I don't know that this was a help, but it's at least interesting.

Beyond viruses, this book also goes into other forms of nasty programs like Trojan Horses, HiJackers (that replace your home page with theirs), worms, Phishing Scams, and Spyware. I'd have liked to have seen just a little more about some of these, such as an evaluation of the anti- software that is available.

Like all the For Dummies books, this is a good introductory book, not the final word. But if you have a computer connected to the web, you'd best be paying at least some attention to Viruses, and this is a good start.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Brief overview of threats to your computer and how you can defend your self., January 13, 2008

By	P. Hall - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

This book isn't about writing viruses. The book is about how you can help defend against the threats of the internet. This is a very introductory book for the non-technical reader. Overall it gives a good organized summary of what you can do to protect yourself all of which are subjects that this book gives a very brief overview of.