SELF-EXTRACTING FILES

A file that, when run, extracts itself. Most files transferred across the Internet are compressed to save disk space and lower transfer times. The self-extracting program can extract a virus or Trojan Horse. These types of viruses can be effective since the scanning of compressed files is a rather new technique used by most leading antivirus package. You cannot get a virus by just downloading a self-extracting file. You must run it. Always scan new files before using them.