The Internet World is not a secretive place and is certainly not a safe place.  Every one must protect themselves from Virus problems.  A virus is a malicious program that is designed to cause you problems.  Most protection programs will help to protect you, but you must know, it really is not a safe place.  Just take precautions!  When sending a attachment of a file be sure and let your friend know that you are sending it.  I for one, will not open a attached file that I have not been told is coming  You can just put a line in the subject, I am sending you a picture or what ever!  Never open a file that you don't know is coming, especially if it ends with Filename.exe .  Delete it from your mail without opening!  Other attachments to watch out for are .com .bat .cmd .pif .htm .do .xi .reg .ink .vbs or any thing ending with  v in the suffxes.   One problem with the new virus is that it does not need to be opened to do it's dirty work.  This is why you must keep your anti virus program updated.   I update once a week, and more if I hear of a new virus.
 
Another thing I would incourage is that you do the Windows update about every three to four months.  To do this, be on the internet - go to start and look for the Windows update.  Once you get to Microsoft's page do the update product.  I always get the Critical Updates!!
Virus Programs
 
The program that I use for Virus protection is Norton Anti Virus.  I have found it to be very easy to use, and easy to update.  If you have this program just go:     (First be on the Internet)  
Start - Programs - Norton Anti Virus - Norton Anti Virus.  When the program starts, you will see a Live Update Icon.
Click on this icon and then when it starts,  be sure and tell it that you are using the Internet.   Then just follow the directions!  It will take 15 to 30 minutes to update!
 
I update about every two weeks, or when I hear of a new virus.  If you are running another virus program, it should be similar, so look for the live update and just do it!  
 
If per chance you are not using a virus program,
 
You had best get some protection.  
 
For a nice free Virus Protection Program download AVG from this site.   I use it along with Norton!
http://www.grisoft.com
SCAN DISK
 
I am a big believer of keeping a computer clean, to keep problems from starting.  I Scandisk every month or two.  This will clean up any errors on your hard drive.  Some computers are good about cleaning up after every problem, and others need to be checked very often.  To run scandisk go to:   Start - programs - accessories - system tools and then scan disk.  
 
DEFRAG HARD DRIVE
 
After I do this I usually do a defrag of the hard drive.  This will put all files in the order that a computer can best read them.  It can also speed up the computer a little, as it is easier for the computer to find the files.  To defrag a hard drive go:   Start - program - accessories - system tools -  disk defragmenter.  This I do about once a month.  The newer computers can be scheduled to do this chore, and it does take some time, so it is wise to use the scheduler.  Windows 95 and older systems need to be done manually, but they don't take as long to do the job!  
 
Maintenance Wizard
 
With the newer computers there is a Maintenance Wizard program that really keeps your computer in good shape.   I run this instead of Scandisk and Defrag.  If you have this program on your computer, try it out.  Go to Start - Programs - Accessories - System Tools - Maintenance Wizard and let it check out your computer.  It will delete the temp files - scandisk and then defrag.  I use it about every two weeks.  It does a real nice job of keeping your computer out of trouble.   If you don't have this program please be sure and do the scandisk and defrag.

 

Windows Update

It is a real good idea to go ahead and get your Windows Updates while you are at it.  To do this go Start - programs and look for a icon that says Windows Updates.  It will be there someplace.  Be on the internet when you do this.  Then be sure and get all the critical updates and any new driver updates.  It will make your computer run better.  
E-Mail Me!