Tips For E-mail Users

Ever since people began exchanging electronic messages, people have been trying to intercept and read them, or worse yet spread viruses through them. And as more and more of us come to rely on e-mail as a major form of communication, the need to address e-mail security issues has become more urgent. A virus can be sent to you via e-mail, and you can unknowingly pass it along. Here are some tips to avoid catching and spreading viruses:

Be aware of attachments to e-mail. They're the biggest risk. If you don't know where they came from -particularly if they have an .EXE (executable files), .COM (command files), or .BAT (batch files) file extension-toss them out and don't open them.

Watch out for spam. These are e-mails that could spread your address around to thousands of other third parties and increase your exposure to viruses.

Keep unwanted files off your computer or delete them unopened. If you don't want it, why let it hang around and get opened accidentally?

Use anti-virus software and make backups files. There are many kinds of software to protect you against viruses and unsolicited e-mail. Use them. And if you do get hit, you'll be prepared if you backup all your important files.

And finally, get a second e-mail address. If you spend a lot of time on line and regularly provide your e-mail address on the Internet, set up a separate e-mail account strictly for personal business on secure sites you trust. For more tips on e-mail and generally having a better on line experience check out www.learnthenet.com.