1. Purchase and install anti-virus software on your home computers. The cost for a good anti-virus software is typically minimal - especially compared to the cost you will pay if a computer virus wipes out your hard drive! Many anti-virus software companies offer free trial downloads and purchasing online.

2. Update your anti-virus software regularly. Over 500 viruses are discovered each month, so you'll want to be protected. Some companies not only offer virus signature updates for their anti-virus software, but also actual software updates. At the least, you should update your anti-virus products virus signature files (weekly or more often when a virus threat is present.) You may also need to update the product's scanning engine as well.

3. Do not open any files attached to an email from an unknown, suspicious or untrustworthy source.

4. Do not open any files attached to an email unless you know what it is, even if it appears to come from a dear friend or someone you know. Some viruses can replicate themselves and spread through email. Better be safe than sorry and confirm that they really sent it. It is best never to open a file directly from an email. Instead, save the file to a floppy disk. Then, before opening it from the floppy disk, scan the file with your anti-virus software (before scanning any files, make sure you have the latest signature files for your anti-virus software installed - see tip #2 above.)

5. Delete chain emails and junk email. Do not forward or reply to any to them. These types of email are considered spam, which is unsolicited, intrusive mail that clogs up the network.

6. Exercise caution when downloading files from the Internet. Ensure that the source is a legitimate and reputable one. Verify that an anti-virus program checks the files on the download site. If you're uncertain, don't download the file at all or download the file to a floppy and test it with your own anti-virus software. Before opening any downloaded file, scan the file with your anti-virus software (before scanning any files, make sure you have the latest signature files for your anti-virus software installed - see tip #2 above.)

7. Back up your files on a regular basis. If a virus destroys your files, at least you can replace them with your back-up copy. You should store your backup copy in a separate location from your work files, one that is preferably not on your computer.

8. When in doubt, always err on the side of caution and do not open, download, or execute any files or email attachments. Not executing is the more important of these caveats. Check with your product vendors for updates which include those for your operating system web browser, and email. One example is the security site section of Microsoft located at http://www.microsoft.com/security.