e. Install ‘all’ of the free Important Updates from Microsoft. After you have connected to the Internet, click on Start>Programs>Windows Update>Scan for Updates. If any ‘important updates’ are listed click on that option and follow the directions to install the ‘critical updates’. Make sure you are always running the latest service pack from Microsoft.

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.  Good free product s are AVG and Malwarebytes.

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.