1. Use a reliable anti-virus program, preferably one that automatically updates.

2. If you use cable or DSL internet, you will need a hardware firewall/router. These devices are inexpensive and block your computer from the internet. If you connect with dial-up internet, or you use a laptop to connect to the internet outside of your home or office, you will need to install firewall software on your laptop.

3. Do not open e-mails coming from unknown or distrusted sources. Many viruses spread via e-mail messages, so please ask for a confirmation from the sender if you are in any doubt.

4. Do not open the attachments of messages with a suspicious or unexpected subject. If you want to open them, first save them to your hard disk and scan them with an updated antivirus program.

5. Delete any chain e-mails or unwanted messages. Do not forward them or reply to their senders.

6. Avoid installing programs that you will not use on a regular basis, especially free downloads.

7. Update your system and applications as often as possible. Some operating systems and applications can be set to update automatically.  Make full use of this facility. Failure to patch your system often enough may leave it vulnerable to threats for which fixes already exist.

8. Make backups of important personal files (correspondence, documents, pictures and such) on a regular basis. Store these copies on removable media such as CD or DVD. Keep your archive in a different location than the one your computer is in.