Hi Don:

The virus program I have automatically goes online and downloads updates if one is available (Norton Antivirus 2001).

It routinely blocks the Trojan sub-seven virus which can turn your cpu into a hacker's zombie computer by assisting in denial of service attacks on various internet web-site targets (often decided upon by 13 hackers kids). This can happen while you are online and may be unaware of the extra modem use (unless in the middle of a download).

Also, I think there is a PC "firewall" which is free called "zone alarm" (I think). It stops many of the other viruses/scripts which some of the anti-virus software packages miss. Of course I use Norton's firewall (Internet Security). You may want to check into these (just in case).

Heck...if your PC goes down on account of a virus someone else may have to "pinch hit" for you with regards to making earthquake predictions....

Take care (of those viruses too)
2cents