How to Protect Your Computer From E-mail Viruses

Here are some golden rules for preventing e-mail viruses from contaminating your computer and wreaking havoc.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Anti-virus Softwares

1. Ask yourself, "If I don't know what the file is or what it does, then why am I opening it?"

2. Remember in particular to never open files that end with a .VBS or .JS extension. These are files that a typical user would never have a reason to open.

3. Employ caution when confronted with files that end with .DOC, .EXE, .COM, .XLS or .PPT. These are common files that you may run into every day, but they could be harboring a virus.

4. Open attachments that you are expecting, but be suspicious of those you aren't.

5. Anticipate the worst when you receive unexpected e-mail messages from people. Try to check with the sender to make sure it truly came from them and to find out what the file contains.

Tips & Warnings

• If your computer doesn't have anti-virus software installed, you should install it as soon as possible, and be sure to check software makers' sites for virus alerts and patches.
• If you receive a virus from someone, be sure to inform them of it. They may have done so unknowingly.

on 11/22/2005 Never open an attachment (even from someone you know) unless:
1) They told you it was coming.
2) They put a personal note in the message body telling you about it.
3) They send you a separate e-mail telling you about it.
No exceptions, ever!

on 11/22/2005 Dont use Outlook Express!
94% of all email virus infections are distributed via this outragiously unsafe software.
Find out about alternative email products.

on 11/22/2005 If you are using Outlook Express, go to www.windowsupdates.com, and install Internet Explorer 5.5. Then go back and get all "Critical Updates". The latest round of viruses open themselves, but the bug that let them was fixed by Microsoft months earlier.

on 11/22/2005 Always use a virus scanner to check suspicious looking emails BEFORE you open. Personally I never view emails that i get with attachments. I play it safe and delete them immediately without opening.