In addition to using good anti-virus tools, there are steps you can take to protect yourself and your computer.
To combat viruses, worms and similar threats:
Switch to a non-Microsoft email program. Many mass-mailing worms are written specifically to exploit vulnerabilities in Outlook Express and Microsoft Outlook. You can guard yourself against such threats by using an alternative email client such as Thunderbird or Eudora.
Beware attachments! Never open an email attachment from someone you don't know. Don't open attachments from people you do know, unless you're expecting the attachment. Don't open attachments directly from within your email: save them to your desktop first and open then from there. Before you open any attachment, right-click it and choose the anti-virus scanning option from the pop-up menu (most anti-virus programs add such an option when you install them).
Turn the reading/preview pane off. Most email programs display part of an email in a viewing pane beside the list of received email. Switch this viewing pane off. Sometimes your system can get infected merely by displaying code in this window.
Run a full system anti-virus scan weekly, at a minimum.
To keep adware and spyware off your system:
Pay for software instead of opting for the free, advertising supported version.
Avoid surfing on the fringe. Porn sites, crackz and warez (pirated software), file swapping and other on-the-edge sites are havens for unscrupulous people.
Use a non-Microsoft browser. Internet Explorer has proved itself to be hideously susceptible to attack and infestation. One of the best defences against a variety of threats is to use an alternative browser, such as Firefox. It's free from the Mozilla Foundation, the same organisation which also offers the freeware email client, Thunderbird. Use the two together, or install the Mozilla Suite which combines browser, email, chat and Web editor.
Never, ever click OK on a pop-up window or dialog box when you're browsing without reading it thoroughly. Use the close box to close such windows.
Use safe emailing practices.
To avoid phishing scams:
Never click on links in email you receive from an unknown source or from a known source seeking financial or sensitive information. Instead, type the address directly into your browser. Links in email can be dummied to look as if they're taking you one place when they are, in fact, taking you somewhere else.
If you have any doubt whatsoever about an email apparently from your bank or other financial institution, either go directly to the bank's Web site or get on the phone and speak to someone at the bank directly.
Be sceptical of any email which asks you to update your log-in details or other sensitive information.
Never click any link in spam.
To manage spam:
Never open spam email.
Never buy anything advertised in spam, even it seems like a really good deal. If you wonder why spammers indulge in a process which seems tailor-made to infuriate potential customers, it's because some people actually buy spam goods.
Never divulge more information on Web site forms than is absolutely necessary.
Always read a site's privacy policy before you sign up or purchase goods.
Don't get hijacked:
Use a non-Microsoft browser.
Never click OK on pop-up windows online without reading them thoroughly.
Adjust your browser's settings to prevent ActiveX and JavaScript programs from running.
To keep others from prying:
Set up multiple logons for your family PC and use a password on each log on.
Always use strong passwords. Not sure what constitutes a strong password? Visit Web Passwords Made Easy
