The ever increasing numbers of computer viruses out there mean that your PC needs protection from "the void" now more than ever.

Anti viruses Installing anti virus programs help eliminate that threat at the cost of system resources. This is the first line of defense.

"Time machine" software A "time machine" software which allows you to restore your PC in any previous "safe" state. Which means if an undetected virus strikes, you will be able to restore your PC back to the state it was before the virus hit. Pretty incredible stuff eh? This software is called "Goback" and it is by WildFile. You can find it here You can find a version of GoBack in Windows ME as well.

The best way to prevent viruses though, is to download software from a trustworthy source.

Detection of backdoors If you suspect your PC has been hit by a trojan horse virus, or a backdoor virus such as NetBus. Do the following test. Goto Start -> Programs -> MSDOS Prompt. Make sure you are connected to the Net and type the following command "netstat", without the "s. Netstat gives you information on the TCP ports which are "open" to connections. Look under the Local Address heading, you should see your computer name followed by a colon, and then a number. That number is the open port on your PC. The foreign address is the host to which you are connected to. Open ports such as 12345 are ports which Netbus operate, if you see that port open, it almost definately means that you have been hit by the Netbus trojan horse. Disconnect from the Net and type "netstat" again, NO ports should be open once you do that, if you see anything listed, it also means that an intruder has installed some form of backdoor program in your PC to gain unauthorized access.