Tips for Safely Operating Your Computer

Antivirus software, when properly configured and maintained, is an important factor in protecting your computer and your information — but it can't do it all. Practice the following procedures when operating your home computer to minimize the risk of computer viruses, worms, and even spam:

• Never open e-mail messages from people you do not know.
• Never open attachments in unexpected or strange messages from people you don't know (or do know).
• Install security patches when they are available.
• Turn on Automatic Updates so that you can learn of new security patches when they become available.
• Regularly back up your important data.
• Use secure Web browser settings.
• Download files only from trusted and well-known sites.
• Use alternate e-mail accounts for higher-risk activities like mailing
  lists and Web site registrations.
• Disconnect your computer from the Internet when you are not using it.
• Password-protect and use your screen saver if you work where others have access to your computer.
• Filter annoying and harmful e-mail with a spam filtering program.
• Block worms and Trojan horses with a hardware or software firewall.
• Block spyware and other potentially harmful software with a spyware filtering program.
• Don't go to Web sites you've never heard of before.