> It would be nice if A-V programs had a "Test" button.
>
> Is there a dummy but harmless virus file anywhere that I could
> download to test the system?
There are many ways of testing an AV program, but it sounds like you
need the simplest, which is called an EICAR file.  You can find both
instructions for making one in a text editor, and a link to download
one ready-made, at http://support.nai.com/files/misc/prm/eicar.htm
(one of the Mcafee support sites). For obvious reasons, NEVER UNDER
ANY CIRCUMSTANCES use a virus test file unless you have downloaded it
yourself from, or made it yourself from the source on, the site of a
well-known vendor, or have obtained it from a source you consider
equally safe.
You'll also find instructions for testing your demand scanner on that
page.  To test VShield, just double-click on the EICAR file, or try
to copy it, or do anything else which should set off VShield,
depending on your settings.
>
> Could a virus invade my computer by my simply browsing (eg via the
> cache) as long as I don't open any .exe or similar executory files?
> Or possibly by playing a background music file?
I'm not sure about a virus, but unless you are careful about the
security settings in your browsers, just by browsing you could
unknowingly download an ActiveX or Java applet which could damage or
destroy your system.

Thank you.
David Jonathan Justman

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