Simple Rules that will prevent a virus from devastating your computer network.

1. DO NOT OPEN UNANNOUNCED FILE ATTACHMENTS. Pick up the telephone and call the sender. If its not work related, be polite and ask them to stop e-mailing attachments, company policy.
   
   
2. SPAM received should be deleted without opening. Supporting Anti-Spam efforts of Internet Service Providers will help reduce the junk e-mail from important e-mail that is important to your business.
   
   
3. Do run anti virus software from a reputable company. Keep the data file updated. Automate the update if you can or do it manually every day.
   
   
4. If possible, run critical programs, like accounting software for the business, on a seperate computer that is not used for e-mail.
   
   
5. Do not allow anyone to insert an unknown floppy disk in you computer. Employees should not bring anything from home to place on their computer at work without a proper procedure.
   
   
6. Do not buy bargain bin software or download freeware/shareware anything from unknown sources. This is a primary method of transportation of viruses.
   
   
7. If you must play computer games, have a seperate computer that it doesn't matter if a virus infects it.
   
   
8. Turn OFF the "Auto Preview" pane in common e-mail programs. They allow a virus to get loose before you can determine whether you want to open the e-mail or not.
   
   

This is not going to protect you 100%, but it will help keep you from wiping out your computer and perhaps a few hundred more with it.

If you suspect you have a virus, disconnect right away and seek a professionals help .