Protecting Your Computer

• Use an anti-virus program, and be sure to set it to update automatically on a weekly basis.
  
  
• Use your anti-virus program to scan any files or programs you load on your computer - even if from a reputable person or company. (i.e. files you may have used on a different computer, files downloaded from the internet, music downloads, attachments in email messages.)
  
  
• Backup all your important files on a regular basis. A good way to do this is to purchase an external drive to easily store your backup files. There are also backup services available online for a monthly subscription fee.
  
  
• If you have a firewall setup always keep it on.
  
  
• Keep your operating system up to date with security updates.
  
  
• Never open e-mail attachments from someone you don't know and scan all e-mail attachments from people you do know. The sender might not know that the attachment contains a worm.
  
  
• If you are using a wireless router at home be sure to configure it to be secure.
  
  
• Be careful when using social sites such as MySpace and Facebook. These sites are heavily targeted by hackers and virus perpetrators because they realize these web sites have security deficiencies that allow them to link and upload their virus and/or trojans to trip-up unsuspecting surfers.