It's worth keping in mind that NO virus guard is 100 per cent up to date because new viruses and tojans/worms are constantly being evolved. Sometimes McAfee will be ahead of the game on one particular virus, sometimes, Norton, etc.

Always try to get the name or any other info you can on any virus that strikes. For instance if a remote webmaster returns your mail because of a suspect attachment, be sure to scour it - there may be useful info in it. ((If your machine has been infected, you probably didn't originate the message yourself in the first place.

Once you've got a name, or the name of a rogue file attachment or whatever, do a web search for that, and you'll probably find a downloadable freebie fix for that specific problem. Or failing that, you might get into a usenet group where the problem is being aired.

If you can't get any info, but can still hook your PC up to the internet, go to http://www.pcpitstop.com which will analyse the state of your machine and name any viruses it finds. This is a first-class service, and it is free. Just be aware that the sponsoring mag may occasionally (and very gently) push specific products and services.