Virus Tips

 

  1. Do not open any files attached to an email from an unknown, suspicious or untrustworthy source. You can always email and ask the sender who they are and if they sent the email to you. But, do so from a separate email to the sender. Do not reply from within the email you received.
  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. Some viruses can replicate themselves and spread through email. Better be safe than sorry and confirm that they really sent it. You can always call the sender or email them and ask if they sent the email to you. Again, send a separate email.
  3. Do not open any files attached to an email if the subject line is questionable or unexpected.
  4. Do not open attachments with a VBS extension. VBS (Visual Basic Script) files often contain a virus. When clicked to open, the VBS script infects your PC and possibly all mapped drives (your home directory, the shared drive etc.) to the server.
  1. 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.
  2. Do not download any files from strangers.
  3. 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.
  4. 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. Also, write protect your floppy by sliding the write protect tab located on the top of each floppy to the open position. In this manner a virus cannot be written to the floppy or cause files to be deleted.
  5. 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.