Virus-protection developers do what they can to keep viruses in the mind of the public. A survey done last year by the National Computer Security Association indicated that 99.33 percent of medium-size and large organizations in North America have experienced at least one virus infection, and that, on average, four out of every 10 computers in those organizations become infected every year. That sounds dire indeed. What's more, despite the sensationalism, investing in an antivirus program is still a prudent course of action. Just don't become paralyzed by fear of viruses.
Some people avoid the Internet entirely for fear of catching a virus.
The situation becomes slightly more complicated with e-mail attachments. Fortunately, you have protection here as well. Many people simply delete an e-mail attachment if it comes from somebody they don't know. What's more, the latest versions of antivirus software include protection against macro viruses. It's theoretically possible for your system to become infected with a virus when you visit a World Wide Web site whose creator coded in land mines in the form of malicious Java applets or ActiveX controls.