Knowing how to avoid email viruses in today's technology-driven cyber society is crucial. Otherwise, your computer might crash, your files might be deleted or your data might be stolen. It's like an online war is being waged, and we are getting caught in the crossfire. Fortunately, you can take steps to diminish your chances of becoming the next victim by being careful with your email habits.
1. Be careful who you give your email address to. When filling out forms online, you are often asked your email address. These addresses then get put into long lists that can be used for everything from spamming you to sending you viruses. It is smart to keep at least two email addresses, if not three, so that your primary address is not the one you put on these forms. That way, you will be less likely to fall victim to this subterfuge.
2. Have a good spam filter. For the most part, spam is just annoying and, at the very worst, camouflages important emails, causing them to get lost in the shuffle. Occasionally, however, they can carry with them viruses or other programs that you do not want on your computer. A good filter can weed out these emails so that you don't make the unfortunate mistake of opening one.
3. Think twice before opening attachments, regardless of the sender. The way many viruses work is that they embed themselves in these attachments and send themselves to everybody on an infected computer's contact list. So though the email may be from your physics teacher or dance instructor, they may not have knowingly sent it. A good rule of thumb is that if something looks odd, don't open the attachment until you contact the person and find out if they personally sent it to you.
The fact of the matter is that, no matter how careful you are, viruses happen. These days they are no more avoidable than getting wet in the rain. Sure, you can check the weather and carry an umbrella at all times, but eventually the weather man will be wrong and you'll forget your umbrella at home. That's why it is also important to have good virus detection software. That way, you'll be prepared in case a virus does somehow slip through.
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