A virus is a program that can embed itself into other programs on your computer, potentially causing damage to your files. Viruses often infect computers through e–mail attachments, but can also come from CDs, websites and downloaded files.

How to Prevent Viruses

The best defense against viruses is to install an anti–virus program and a firewall. You should also:

• Keep your operating system, Internet browsers and anti–virus and anti–spyware software up–to–date.
• Avoid opening and reading unsolicited e–mails. These can expose your computer to viruses.
• Ensure that your virus scanning software automatically scans attachments, or scan them manually prior to opening them.

Anti-Virus Software Examples:

• Norton
• McAfee
• PC-Cillin

Also, watch for e–mails that:

• Are from someone that you don't know.
• Are from someone that you haven't received e–mail from before.
• Are from someone you know, but include unexpected attachments.
• Are from someone you know, but the subject line doesn't make sense based on the sender.