208Chapter 13: Maintaining Your Computerwww.gateway.comProtecting your computer fromvirusesA virus is a program that attaches itself to a file on a computer, then spreadsfrom one computer to another. Viruses can damage data or cause your computerto malfunction. Some viruses go undetected for a period of time because theyare activated on a certain date.Protect your computer from a virus by:■ Using the Norton ® AntiVirus program to check files and programs that areon diskettes, attached to e-mail messages, or downloaded from theInternet.■ Checking all programs for viruses before installing them.■ Disabling macros on suspicious Microsoft Word and Excel files. Theseprograms will warn you if a document that you are opening contains amacro that might have a virus.■ Periodically updating the Norton AntiVirus program to protect against thelatest viruses.Help andSupportFor more information about protecting your computeragainst viruses in Windows XP, click Start, then click Helpand Support.Type the keyword viruses in the HelpSpot Search box, then click the arrow.
