Warning: Do Not Act on All Virus Alerts

Another week, another virus warning. The hot property this time is an email urging computer users to check their machines for a file named jdbgmgr.exe, and to delete it if found.

Unfortunately, jdbgmgr.exe is not a virus; it is the Microsoft debugger registrar for Java - a programming code, widely used on the internet. Your computer will probably suffer no undue harm from deleting the file, although it is possible some java programmes will not run without it.

However acting on unsubstantiated reports of viruses is bad practice, and the next email could be asking you to delete something truly essential.

This email probably started doing the rounds after a concerned user realised an actual virus known as W32/Magistr-A can email infected copies of the jdbgmgr.exe file to computers.

No doubt whoever started the email meant no harm, but by the time the "pass it on" game starts the original intent can be distorted, leaving others to delete a perfectly legitimate file.

Virus hoaxes can be just as damaging, or more, than a virus itself, given that so many people mass-mail these warnings to everyone they know.

If you receive a virus warning from a friend, relative or colleague in your inbox:

Do not send it to everyone in your address book.

Do not follow any of its advice, particularly about deleting files.

Do not click on any attachments.

Do ask your IT department, if you work for a company, or your anti-virus software provider if you are at home, about it. Many anti-virus software packages miss important viruses, but they should be aware of them by the time you call to check.

Do check out the hoaxes section on Vmyths.com

Do have a look at the top viruses being reported by MessageLabs, as if you have an actual virus it will almost certainly be listed here.