As a valued customer of DiamondNet, we want you to be aware of the need for virus and spyware protection to be installed on your home and work computer systems. The Internet contains a vast amount of information that is beneficial in our everyday lives and DiamondNet wants your experience in using the Internet to be positive. At DiamondNet, we strive to keep your Internet service at a high level. To do this we must ensure that our network and the computers attached to it are free of malicious software. We constantly monitor the bandwidth usage on the network to ensure that all customers can acquire the Internet bandwidth they subscribe to.
You the customer must be aware that YOU are responsible for ensuring your computer is protected from malicious software. If we determine a computer related to your account is infected and causing problems on the DiamondNet network, we will disable your Internet connection until the problem is corrected. The last thing we want is to disable an Internet access due to an infected computer connected to the DiamondNet network; however under extreme circumstances this will be required until the computer has been cleaned of all malicious software.
What is a virus?
A computer virus is a software program that attaches itself to other software programs on your computer. It can damage data files, display offending messages, cause your computer to crash and also can overtake your email software and begin to send out vast amounts of email messages to your email contacts. Most viruses are obtained from either downloading files from the Internet, opening attachments in email messages or from visiting websites on the World Wide Web.
How do I know a virus or spyware has infected my computer?
- Your computer runs more slowly than normal or stops responding and locks up often.
- Your computer restarts on its own time after time.
- You see unusual error messages or strange pop up screens, usually advertisements.
- Your homepage setting has been changed and takes you to advertising sites.
- You notice a new tool bar that you did not load and have difficulty in removing it.
- If you suspect you have a virus or spyware and you do not have the expertise to clean the malicious software from your computer, have a reputable computer repair technician inspect and clean your computer. An infected computer can cause harm not only to your computer, but the network of DiamondNet as well.
How do I avoid being infected with viruses and spyware?
- Install virus and spyware protection software on your computer. Use software from a trustworthy source such as Symantec or McAfee.
- Keep your virus and spyware software current. Most providers of this software offer daily updates for their software and their programs will update themselves automatically if connected to the Internet.
- Do not open strange email with attachments.
- Scan all files downloaded from the Internet. Most software will allow you to set settings that will do this automatically.
- Use an Internet firewall. Windows XP with Service Pack 2 comes with a firewall setting.
For more information on viruses and spyware, visit Microsoft’s website at
http://www.microsoft.com/athome/security/default.mspx
