Welcome to “Ask Joe,” the Tribune's new monthly advice column featuring Joe Fino, Erickson's webmaster and computer advice specialist. Joe will answer your computer-related questions, so if you are having trouble setting up an e-mail account, fixing an error, or even attaching a new pair of speakers, don't hesitate to ask Joe.

What is a virus and what can I do to protect my computer from viruses?

If you have been watching the news in the last few months, you have probably heard of the “Blaster,” “I love you,” or “Code Red” viruses. While it is uncommon for a home pc (personal computer) user to get any of these, you can protect yourself or clean up your pc if it is infected.

First, let's go over a couple of definitions.

A virus is a tiny computer program written with the express purpose of copying itself. A virus will attempt to spread to other computers if it can. A virus can damage hardware, software, or stored information.

A worm is a form of a virus that generally spreads without any action from the computer user. A worm usually infects computer networks and can consume memory or clog up the lines of communication between the computers, causing them to stop responding.

To protect your pc, the first thing you have to do is never open up any unsolicited e-mail attachments. If you do not know what it is, delete it!

You should also run up-to-date anti-virus software and keep up with the latest updates for your operating system (Windows or Mac OS).

If your pc already has a virus, and you are not running anti-virus software, it is time to make the purchase. Even if your computer is not responding at all, most anti-virus software will allow you to run the CD (computer disk). Just put the CD in your drive and restart the computer—it should scan your system and diagnose the problem for you. If the anti-virus software is up to date, it will detect and “cure” any viruses you might have.