What do viruses target?

[Steve]

Greetings. I have a question about viruses, etc.: I have a
computer riddled with viruses. I just bought a new
computer, but I'm worried that when I plug the new
computer into the internet socket in the wall, that my new
computer will be targeted with the same viruses, etc. that
the old one is. Will this happen? Another way of asking
is, do virus "mailing lists" target a particular computer,
or your IP address, or the actual socket in the wall, or
what, exactly?

Also, if I have two computers in the same room,
alternately hooked up to the same internet socket in the
wall, will they both have the same IP address?

Just trying to protect my new computer from these constant
virus attacks that my old one gets.
Thanks for your time.

[Sandi - Microsoft MVP]

If you are using Windows XP and it is not patched *before* going on to the
internet you can bet that you will be infected with something like Blaster
or Sasser.

Yes the computers will have the same IP address unless they are using
separate (unique) ISP connections. And while we're on the subject of
networks, if one computer is infected with viruses/malware there is a chance
that other systems on the same network may be infected if the particular
virus/malware is network aware.

All computers are targeted, but understand that said targetting is either
completely random, or in the case of viruses received via email, because
your email address is somewhere on an infected computer.

A beginners guide to protecting your computer can be found here:
http://inetexplorer.mvps.org/data/prevention.htm

--
Hyperlinks are used to ensure advice remains current
_______________________________________
Sandi - Microsoft MVP since 1999 (IE/OE)
http://inetexplorer.mvps.org/



Steve wrote:
> Greetings. I have a question about viruses, etc.: I have a
> computer riddled with viruses. I just bought a new
> computer, but I'm worried that when I plug the new
> computer into the internet socket in the wall, that my new
> computer will be targeted with the same viruses, etc. that
> the old one is. Will this happen? Another way of asking
> is, do virus "mailing lists" target a particular computer,
> or your IP address, or the actual socket in the wall, or
> what, exactly?
>
> Also, if I have two computers in the same room,
> alternately hooked up to the same internet socket in the
> wall, will they both have the same IP address?
>
> Just trying to protect my new computer from these constant
> virus attacks that my old one gets.
> Thanks for your time.

[Lil' Dave]

There's a few viruses out there that are non-specific. Attacks any PC
connected to the internet.
Sasser will attack a Win98 OS PC, but cannot affect its operability.
Rather, like "typhoid Mary", will carry the affliction to other PCs.
There are others that can affect a 98/98SE PC, but not target the PC
specifically. Neither attack a specific IP or range of IPs.
Then there's trojans meant to take control of your PC remotely in some
fashion.
Then there's bugs at some websites that compromise your confidentiality.

A PCs IP address in relation to the internet is delegated by the ISP at
login or connection.

You need 3 forms of protection. AV, a firewall, and a real-time bug-finder
and scanner.

If you treasure any of your personal data, use a stand-alone PC for it.
"Steve" > wrote in message
...
> Greetings. I have a question about viruses, etc.: I have a
> computer riddled with viruses. I just bought a new
> computer, but I'm worried that when I plug the new
> computer into the internet socket in the wall, that my new
> computer will be targeted with the same viruses, etc. that
> the old one is. Will this happen? Another way of asking
> is, do virus "mailing lists" target a particular computer,
> or your IP address, or the actual socket in the wall, or
> what, exactly?
>
> Also, if I have two computers in the same room,
> alternately hooked up to the same internet socket in the
> wall, will they both have the same IP address?
>
> Just trying to protect my new computer from these constant
> virus attacks that my old one gets.
> Thanks for your time.