e. Install ‘all’ of the free Critical Updates from Microsoft. After you have connected to the Internet, click on Start>Programs>Windows Update>Scan for Updates. If any ‘critical updates’ are listed in the chart on the left of the window, click on that option and follow the directions to install the ‘critical updates’. The 'install' for Service Pack 2 for Windows XP users can be tricky... if you have XP, talk to me before you do the update.

f. Do not open ‘attachments’ or click on web links in the Email unless you follow the guidelines listed below. I hope you wouldn’t open an attachment from someone you don’t know; however, most viruses are still passed on from Emails with addresses from people you do know.... they aren’t aware that their address is being used... it has been hijacked, as yours probably will be if you get the virus. If you know the individual, do the following before opening the attachment:

i. Contact the individual to ask them if they really sent the Email.

ii. Verify that they originated the Email content, i.e. they didn’t simply forward something to you (like a joke) from someone else as that may contain a virus.

g.  Install and run one or more Anti Spyware Programs.  A good commercial product is Spy Sweeper.  Excellent free programs are Spybot, Adaware, and Microsoft Windows Defender.

h. Backup your critical data. This is more of a ‘good computing’ issue rather than a ‘safe computing’ one. Should you get a virus... your data can be destroyed.