Top 10 Tips for Avoiding Computer Viruses

1. Use an anti-virus program and keep it updated. Scan your computer frequently or set the program to scan at regular intervals. Many anti-virus programs will run quietly in the background to continually scan your files, email and programs.
2. Use a firewall. Without a firewall your computer basically becomes an open door for viruses and other malicious attacks. A firewall closes that door and monitors what programs attempt to connect to the internet and what tries to connect to your computer.
3. Never open unsolicited email attachments. Email is one of the main methods of spreading viruses. If you don’t know who the email is from, delete the entire message right along with the attachment.
4. Download software only from trusted sites. Never purchase software offered through emails. Those special bargains may come with an additional unwelcome bonus in the form of a virus.
5. Use the plain text option for email. HTML may allow you to be more creative with your email but it also has the potential to carry viruses. The only way you can get a virus with plain text is by opening an accompanying attachment.
6. Look at the file extension before you open any attachment. Certain extensions such as exe and bat are the ones most likely to contain viruses. Safe file extensions include doc, txt and pdf.
7. If you use Windows operating system, keep it updated. There are new security loopholes and exploits occurring regularly. Turn on automatic updated to keep your system protected.
8. Be cautious of any links you receive via instant messenger. They can redirect you to a site set up to install a virus on your machine.
9. Disable Autorun for USB and other external drives. Those flash drives can transport viruses from one computer to another. The virus will lay in wait on a computer, waiting for a flash drive to be plugged in. It will then transfer malicious code to the drive, ready to infect the next computer you plug the drive into. By disabling Autorun you can keep the code from automatically opening before you can run a scan.
10. If you use a cable or DSL internet service, install a router. A router provides additional protection by sitting between your computer and the internet. Use a router in conjunction with your firewall software for an additional layer of protection.