How to protect a computer

1. Make sure the Antivirus program is up to date!
   The Antivirus program is only as good as it's last update. Even if the program is set to automatically update, it is a good idea to check every so often and make sure that it is doing so. In Norton Antivirus Corporate Edition, simply double click on the gold shield icon. In the section called 'Virus Definition', there should be a date labeled 'version'. If the date is more than a couple weeks old, click on the 'live update' button to download and update the virus definitions.
2. Don't open that attachment!
   Most computer viruses are sent as email attachments. Often someone will not even know that their computer is sending out viruses. Even if the person who sent an email is known well and the file has a correct-sounding name, do not open it if an attachment was not expected from that individual. Any file with a double extension (for example, notavirus.doc.txt) is more than likely a virus trying to masquerade as a legitimate file. Screen saver programs (ending in .scr) are also a notorious target for virus worms.
3. Use an email program that does not pre-open attachments.
   Many email programs (for example, Microsoft Outlook and Outlook Express) pre-open attachments by default. This makes it quicker to open them, but also means that the computer can be infected by a virus without even clicking on the attachment! To turn off this feature in Outlook or Outlook Express, please consult Microsoft Technical Support for information.
4. If you are not sure what it is, do not delete it.
   A lot of Virus Hoaxes ask to delete a file on the computer, especially frequently needed ones. If there is an email message directing to delete a file, check first to see if it is a valid request from the Information Technology Services Help Desk or User Support. Also check for such hoaxes from the website Hoaxbusters.
5. Scan disks and files before installing them on the computer.
   Most Antivirus programs include utilities for scanning disks. Be especially careful of downloading items from the Internet.