Virus Detection and Prevention Tips Do you know that a new Internet user is likely to have his or her PC infected with either a virus or spyware within the first 20 minutes of usage? Here are some tips to protect your computer!

1. Do not open any files attached to an email from an unknown, suspicious or untrustworthy source. Most virus emails are more than 20kb in size. By visually scanning through your email inbox for unknown sender and file size, you could quickly identify and delete potential virus emails.

2. 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. Viruses replicate themselves by emailing to the address book of an infected computer. Your friend's or family's computer may be infected!

3. Do not open any files attached to an email if the subject line is questionable or unexpected. If there is a need to do so, always save the file to your hard drive and scan it with your anti-virus software before opening it.

4. Delete chain emails and junk email. Do not forward or reply to any to them. Spam mails and viruses spread fastest through the forwarding of chain or junk mails. If you really have to forward or send an email to many people, include their email addresses using BCC: (blind copy) instead of the TO: field.

5. Do not download any files from strangers. Scan them with your anti-virus software if you really have to.

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. Many free software do contain spyware or adware, so beware!

7. Update your anti-virus software regularly. Over 500 viruses are discovered each month, so you'll want to be protected by updating your software with the latest virus definitions on a daily basis.

8. 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 (e.g. on a CD or backup hard drive).

9. 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 (e.g. Microsoft Windows), applications such as Microsoft Office, web browser, and email.

10. Do not disclose your email address to just anyone. Viruses spread by emails! Have 2 email addresses - one for important communications (e.g. banks, tax office, ISP etc.) and another for unimportant communications (e.g. lucky draw sign-up, mailing lists, website registrations etc.) Sign up a free email address from Yahoo, Gmail or Hotmail for the latter.

More articles on how to protect your computer:

• Essential steps to help ensure your PC is protected (Microsoft)
• Are you really in any danger? (ShieldsUp!)
• How to Protect Your Computer from Spyware and Adware (Microsoft)
• Protecting your computer from viruses (University of Washington)
• What Should I Do To Secure My Home Computer? (CERT)