The best way to prevent a virus is to avoid the Microsoft platform. Our servers are Linux-based for this very reason, so our web sites are only affected by the bog in traffic caused by all the other infected servers on the Internet. Unfortunately, most people don't run Linux on their computers, and only a few have Macintosh. This article is for everyone else.

Even though viruses have become more and more advanced over the years, most infections are cause by the same old strategy of tricking gullible users into opening attached viruses. You get an attachement. Maybe it's even from someone you know. Maybe the text even sounds real, if a little jumbled. You see there's an attachment, so you open it without thinking—STOP!

Somehow you have to get into the habit of examining every attachment before opening it. You have to get suspicious. Look at the extension. That's the little three-letter suffix on the end of the filename. If it is ".EXE" never open it, even if it might be legitimate. No one should be sending such file types via e-mail. There are a few other file types that can also contain viruses, but they are not very common. If you catch the EXE type, you're ahead of the game.

While Macintosh or Linux users are much less susceptible to viruses, they can still be infected via other Microsoft products and software. Older versions of Windows are also less susceptible, but they are not always immune. If you use any version of Microsoft Windows or if you get your e-mail through Microsoft Outlook or Outlook Express, we highly recommend that you obtain virus protection software. We recommend Symantec Anti-virus, which can also be purchased as part of a package with Norton SystemWorks (see Symantec for more information). There are other products that can protect you.

The real value in virus protection is the periodical on-line updates. Viruses are being written and mutated by hackers daily, so it's important to get constant updates from a company dedicated to gathering, documenting and fighting these new infections. Never let your service agreement expire. As soon as it does, you are exposed to danger. It may not get you right away, but when it does happen, you'll wish you had.

Yes, some infections can still get through. The first case of infection is what provides the information to Symantec and other virus fighters to create an antedote. If you are ever infected in spite of your protection, be sure to notify Symantec right away and, if possible, send them a copy of the virus (packaged and announced, so as not to frighten anyone).