How do you know if you have a virus?
Babe,
The first thing is to install a good Anti-Virus.
I personnaly run AVG from
http://www.grisoft.com/us/us_dwnl_free.php
it is very good, and very user friendly.
For the Firewall I personally use Sygate
http://www.sygate.com/index.htm
You download both for free, and once you register you receive updates for the Anti-virus.
The Firewall can scan your computer for open ports that hackers use to come in. It will advise what ports should be closed and will do it for you by asking at the screen once the port scan is finished.
Once you install the antivirus run a complete scan, once the scan is done it will tell you what it found and the suggestions about what to do if any infected files are found.
I must say that as a techie I find this AVG better than Norton.
Another good to avoid virus is be configuring you incoming email to be also scan before you open.
If you receive any files with extension like .exe, and bin, DO NOT open then because those are executable and they can wipe out your entire HD in minutes.
If you keep important data on you PC the best to protect is have a backup.
The easies and cheapest way is to install a CD Burner and burn to CD what you need.
HTH
Ciao
