Checking Up On Your Computer’s Health (NAPSA)—Experts say humans and computers share at least one key characteristic: both should be immunized from viruses. An impor- tant step in keeping your personal computer healthy is to screen it for viruses, worms, Trojan horses and other bugs—and then take steps to keep such intrudersout. To help your computer get a clean bill of health, try these tips. * Do not open any e-mails or files attached to an e-mail unless you know what it is, even if it appears to come from a friend or someone you know. Some viruses can replicate themselves and spread through e-mail. If you’re unsure, scan the e-mail and attachment for viruses or simply delete the e-mail. * Delete chain e-mails and junk e-mail. Do not forward or reply to any to them. These types of e-mail are considered spam, which is unsolicited, intrusive mail that clogs up networks. e Exercise caution when downloading files from the Internet. Be sure the source is a legitimate and reputable one. Verify that an antivirus program checksthe files on the downloadsite. If you’re uncertain, don’t download thefile at all or download the file to a floppy and test it with your own antivirus software such as McAfee It’s important to protect your computer’s “health” by immuniz- ing it against viruses, worms and otherInternetills. VirusScan. Update your anti-virus software regularly. Over 500 viruses are discovered each month, so it’s important that your protection is up-to-date. Back up yourfiles 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 back-up copy in a separate location from your work files—preferably one that’s not on your computer. For more information, visit www.mcafee-at-home.com.
