Preventing Viruses 

• Use virus protection software and keep it up to date.
• Know what kinds of files you are opening. Set your folder view to see extensions.
• Scan diskettes before copying them to the hard disk. (Do it manually or use a program such as Vshield).
• Take diskettes out of the drive as soon as you are done with them.
• Disable macros on applications you are not sure of.
• Use software only from reputable sources.
• Download files (such as installation files) and scan them with anti-virus software before executing them.
• Make a survival kit (clean bootable floppy).

Common Sense

• If your mail program automatically opens attachments, turn this feature off. If you can't turn this feature off, get a new mail program.
• Many viruses propagate by reading the address book of an infected system and sending mail to people in that address book. The mail may appear to come from someone you know. (See Spoof Viruses)
• Microsoft, Norton, and other companies do not email updates to people unsolicited. If you get an email apparently from one of these sources, and you did not request the download, it is most likely malicious.
• No reputable company uses Yahoo or Hotmail (or other free mail hosting program) for business.

Use a Good Internet Service Provider (ISP)

If your internet service provider does not block virus infected emails before delivering them to you, find one that does. If every ISP blocked infected email (a relatively easy and inexpensive thing to do), then viruses would not spread via email. If your ISP delivers virus infected emails to you, ask them why they don't have these features installed.