Now updated in a second edition, this comprehensive guide covers everything from the basics to detailed information on the most virulent and newest computer viruses known. Written by a key figure in the virus protection community, the book also includes a complete review of the major anti-viral software available and a cross-platform diskette containing anti-viral software.

Written by a leading figure in the virus research community, Robert Slade's guide is the most comprehensive book on computer viruses today - covering everything from the basics to detailed information on the most virulent and the newest viruses known. It will provide you with the knowledge on what computer viruses are, how they work, how to handle them, and to what extent you should worry about them. As a computer user, you will learn valuable guidelines on how to minimize the risk of infection and how to safeguard your data. This book contains 4 antiviral software programs and includes a complete review of the major antiviral software available. It also recommends sources where you can access the latest information, including electronic bulletin boards and news groups.

For those who didn't buy the first edition, welcome aboard. For those who did buy the first edition, welcome back, and thanks for making the second edition possible. For those who bought the first edition and are standing in the book- store wondering whether to buy the second, what's in it for you? Well, for one thing, it's smaller. (No, no Don't leave ) I tried to make the first edition a kind of master reference for antiviral protection. That meant I included a lot of stuff that I thought might possibly be helpful, even if I had some doubts about it. This time I've tried to be a little more selective. I've added a little more material to Chapter 4 (Computer Opera- tions and Viral Operations) dealing with the question of computer vi- ruses infecting data files and the new "macro" viruses. I've added two new sections to Chapter 7 (The Virus and Society). One looks at the increasing problem of false alarms while the other looks at the ethics of virus writing and exchange.