Webmaster Questions and Answers

Question: I opened the AnnaKournikova.jpg.vbs virus and have been told that there is no cure for this virus. Can you help me?

Answer: Luckily for you, the Anna Kournikova virus does not do damage to any of your system files. This virus was more of a nuisance than anything else. If you opened the AnnaKournikova.jpg.vbs file then you will need to update your virus scan software and run a complete scan on your system.

If you are using McAfee virus software, you can get to its update page by clicking here. If you are using Norton antivirus software, you can get to its update page by clicking here.

Viruses are successful because they "come from people you know". Most viruses, when opened, use your Outlook Express email system to mail out the virus from you to everyone in your address book!

Here's a couple of safety tips regarding viruses:

1) Always keep your virus software updated with the latest definition updates.

2) Never open files ending in .exe or .vbs.

3) If you receive a virus via email, delete the email immediately and make sure to empty your Deleted File folder.

4) When a major virus hits, it will usually be reported on the front page of many news sites and even the front page of this site. Within minutes of learning about the Anna Kournikova virus, we had a warning up on the front page of Webmaster Techniques Magazine. When you see a warning, immediately download the latest virus files and do not open any files that look suspicious, particularly if they come from someone you know.

Joe Tracy

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