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Keep your computer running smooth

1.Don't download anything from anyone you don't know or aren't expecting... EVER. . Stop and make sure that your family has a safe system before you start trading files with them. It's worth the time. If grandma sent you a photo call her first and ask her if she did. She will be glad to hear from you and then scan the photo with antivirus before you open it.

2. Turn off the autolaunch in your email client. I don't even auto-launch graphics. Furthermore, READ YOUR EMAIL ONLINE! Don't download the email until you're 100% sure it is safe. Use Netscape, use Yahoo, use Eudora, use Simplecheck; I'm sure there are others.

3. If your email has an attachment, go into your headers and look at it. If it's got a pif or scr extension, chances are it's a virus. If it's any Microsoft program file, and you aren't expecting it, it in itself probably isn't a virus, but it could very easily have a virus embedded in it. The only things that hacker's haven't been able to embed viruses into, to my knowledge, are pictures. But just because it says it's a picture doesn't mean it is. Look at the attachment name. File names don't lie. If it's a .jpg.scr extension, it's a virus. If it has an .exe attachment odds are its a program that will launch and do some nasty things in your computer. It could and probably will send your information from your computer back to the person that sent you the email.

4. Antivirus protection programs are only ever as up to date as known viruses. They are also the first target of a virus, so don't trust the antivirus protection program alone. If you've used your eyes and don't believe it's a virus, scan it anyway. I use Yahoo free email, because they keep Norton up to date and I don't have to run it on my system. Norton in and of itself is a great antivirus protection program, but it's not infallible.

5. Set your computer so it doesn't autolaunch files, updates, security checks, html pages, cookies, etc. without your permission!

6. Get a quality anti-spyware program - They're designed to get rid of programs on your system that send your data to the web and as such could be opening holes that you don't know about. Adaware or Spybot search and destroy are great and the are free from pcworld.com. While you are at PCWorld.com sign up for Steve Bass's newsletter he will help you with the latest gadgets and stuff you need to know about. He has kept my computer free of spyware and viruses by keeping me informed in layman's terms.

7. Set up a software firewall. If you don't have a software firewall built in, upgrade your OS. And make sure everyone on your LAN is set up with the same firewall. If you have windows xp it comes with a free firewall that is automatically turned on when you download windows service pack 2. I use the free zonealarm firewall which can be found at pcworld.com under the popular downloads section.

8. Don't rely only on the software; set up a hardware firewall. It's called a router and it's easy to set up and maintain.

9. Take the time and make the effort to understand how viruses and worms get onto your computer and you can virtually stop them all in their tracks.

10. Once you've got all your holes closed, get someone who knows what they're doing to test it from the Internet side. If you don't have someone, I can refer someone.

11. In my opinion, the only real hole is the User. If you don't protect your system, nobody else will.

I probably sound a little cocky telling everyone my anti-virus procedures like this, but I'm not really. I'm also smart enough to know that the second I let my guard down, something is going to find its way in and I won't be able to say "never" again. But I don't intend to let my guard down.