Tips on avoiding Viruses and Worms: Anti-Virus Software

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  Install antivirus software, update regularly, and use it regularly.
  Do regular backups. If you contract a virus it may be the only way to recover your data. Ideally, you should backup your entire system on a regular basis, however if this is not practical, at least backup files that you can’t afford to lose or that would be difficult to replace: documents, bookmark files, address books, important emails, etc.
  
• When possible, avoid e-mail attachments both when sending and receiving e-mail.
• Never open email attachments with the file extensions VBS, SHS, or PIF. These extensions are almost never used in normal attachments but they are frequently used by viruses and worms.
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  Never open attachments with double file extensions such as NAME.BMP.EXE or NAME.TXT.VBS.
  
• Disconnect your network or modem cable when you’re not using your computer-or just power it down.
  
• If you feel that an e-mail you get from a friend is strange (if it is a foreign language or it just says odd things) double check with the friend before opening any attachments.
  
• When you receive e-mail advertisements or unsolicited e-mail, do not open attachments.
  
• Avoid attachments with sexual file names.
  
• Do not trust the icons of attachment file. Worms often use executable files which have an icon resembling icons of picture, text, or archive files to fool the user.
  
• Never accept attachments from strangers in online chat systems such as IRC, ICQ, or AOL Instant Messenger.
  
• Avoid using floppies to excha>nge information between computers.