Anti-Virus Misconceptions

"My anti virus software will protect me"
No matter how good anti virus software is, it cannot protect you from newly released viruses for which a 'cure' has yet to be developed. The anti virus companies are normally very quick to bring out updates of their products but it can take a day or so for new viruses leaving your system exposed. Everyone is susceptible during this phase.

"I don't use Windows therefore I'm safe"
No operating system is safe from viruses. Windows system carry greater risk simply due to the prevalence of the operating system on users desks.

"I updated my system last week. I'm okay"
Sadly those involved in producing viruses are far from inactive, new viruses are detected every day.

"I don't connect to the internet so I can't get a virus"
The Internet has made the transport of viruses easier but it certainly isn't the only route by which viruses can spread. In days of yore, before the Internet as we know it, viruses were spread by other media such as floppy disk this is now rare as the Internet has become the prime mover for spreading viruses.

"I don't use Outlook or Outlook Express"
This may reduce your risk as many viruses are targeted at users of Outlook and Outlook Express but this doesn't mean you are safe or immune.