From wha t people hear on the radio or read in a forwarded email a person might get the idea that computer viruses are everywhere. In truth, it is fairly easy to prevent getting infected with a computer virus just by following a few simple and straight forward tips.
Don't Open Attachments Without Verifying Them First
One of the most common ways that viruses infiltrate a computer is through email attachments. These attachments can be sent in ways that make them look like image files or legitimate documents but in truth are only viruses in disguise. An unsuspecting user may see an email message coming from a friend and feel confident that the message is a real one and that it can be opened without fear. The truth is that while the message may indeed have come from the friends account, it may have been sent by a virus using the friends list of email addresses that are stored on the infected computer. Once an infected attachment is opened the recipient's computer it is infected as well and may attempt to repeat the process, mailing copies of the virus out to other people in your address book.
The most basic rule anyone can follow to protect their computer from viruses is to NEVER open an attachment unless you are expecting it or have been told that it is coming. Send a quick email back to the friend and ask if he had intended to send the message and attachment. If he says that he did not then make sure to let him know that he likely has a virus on his computer and needs to take action.
In addition to this primary rule another safeguard to prevent being infected in this way is to have an antivirus program installed that inspects email before it is opened.
