In all honesty, you really should not be getting a virus on your computer...

If you have the latest security patches for your operating system installed and a firewall, installed AND working, provided you take some basic precautions when connecting to the internet, you SHOULD be safe!

BUT, if you are one of those people who cannot resist "having a look" then your curiosity could well be your downfall. 

For example, you receive an email from someone you don't know and it has a "paperclip" indicating an attachment, what do you do? Rather than just opening it, right click on the email with your mouse and select Properties, then click on Details, this will show who the email is from, you can also click on Message Source. If the sender is a gibberish address, or not recognised, or doesn't sound correct then DELETE the email.

Just because you get email through your inbox, doesn't mean you have to read it! Much of the mail sent now is junk or spam. If you have a spam filter, then enable it. The links opposite lead to useful software which can minimise problems, but ultimately the responsibility is yours!

Did you know that when you click on the eBay toolbar, or "My eBay", tracking cookies are launched?

These are used by Mediaplex and Doubleclick and could enable these companies to track you. Check out "Spybot Search and Destroy" which is an excellent malware or spyware remover.

Read the information on the Sophos site regarding computer viruses and virus hoaxes and you will be better equipped to deal with the problems should they occur.

When buying goods from online auctions, such as eBay, be VERY wary of high value items such as Plasma Screens and expensive Digital Cameras. Make sure that the seller is genuine. Check that the seller's address is the same as the one advertised on the auction. A great many American sellers have had their Auction IDs hijacked via "spoof emails" and the "seller" could be in an Internet Cafe anywhere in the world. Another warning sign is one allowing "pre-approved" bidders only. When you contact them asking to be approved, they will offer you the goods at a big discount if you send the cash via Western Union. DO NOT fall for these scams...or you will lose your money!

Personally speaking, we would never advise buying such a high value item from an online auction, unless you are 100% certain the seller is "bona-fide"

If you ever receive an email asking for your membership details or username and password or financial details, DO NOT reply to the email!

EBay NEVER ask for personal details or financial details or username and password. These emails are SCAMS...BE WARNED

If you want more information then check out the eBay "Community Q & A Message Board" If you reply to the email then there is every chance that your account will be hijacked.

There are also examples of spoof emails and other useful information on combating auction ID theft here

SpyBot - S&D Excellent for removing adware and tracking software.

Mailwasher This will reduce the number of scam emails you receive.

Microsoft Update Essential for the latest operating system updates.

AVG Anti-Virus Free anti-virus tool.

ZoneAlarm Free firewall. Stop hackers from entering your system.

SHIELDS UP This excellent site enables you to test the vulnerability of your system and fix the problems.