The following is a list of tips to prevent viruses:

Install anti-virus software from a well-known, reputable company, UPDATE it regularly, and USE it regularly.

New viruses come out every single day; an anti-virus program that hasn't been updated for several months will not provide much protection against current viruses.

In addition to scanning for viruses on a regular basis, install an 'on access' scanner (included in most good anti-virus software packages) and configure it to start automatically each time you boot your system. This will protect your system by checking for viruses each time your computer accesses an executable file.

Virus scan any new programs or other files that may contain executable code before you run or open them, no matter where they come from. There have been cases of commercially distributed floppy disks and CD-ROMs spreading virus infections.

Treat any file attachments that might contain executable code as carefully as you would any other new files: save the attachment to disk and then check it with an up-to-date virus scanner before opening the file.

If an executable file shows up unexpectedly attached to an E-mail, you should delete it unless you can positively verify what it is, who it came from, and why it was sent to you.

Ideally, you should back up your entire system on a regular basis. If this isn't practical, at least backup files that you can't afford to lose or that would be difficult to replace: documents, bookmark files, address books, important E-mail, etc.