How To Protect Your Computer
First go to Windows Update at
http://v4.windowsupdate.microsoft.com/en/default.asp
and get the current updates for your computer
Second DO NOT open an email from someone you don't know
If you are using Outlook Express to view your email, Configure it like described below to help prevent downloading Viruses.
Open Outlook Express
Click on view
Click on Layout
Uncheck show preview pane (if you see the preview you already downloaded the email, and maybe the Virus also)
Click apply
Click OK
Click on the very top of the account that you are using. (might say imap or Hotmail)(has an envelope or butterfly next to it)
Uncheck all boxes that are next to all folders such as Inbox, Sent Items, Deleted Items, MSN Announcements, and Bulk Mail. This will prevent your computer from downloading any mail until you click on it.
If you are expecting an email from someone that you don't know their email address, tell them to put something in the subject line that only you and that person knows.
And last but not least, Get a good AntiVirus program. If you are NOT paying a yearly fee for virus protection, You probably DO NOT have any protection at all. (Unless you are using AVG)
WebTV might be the only email source that cannot get a Virus. Even though Hotmail and MSN and others use a virus program, a Virus can still slip through if it is downloaded to your computer. Just remember, a good virus program will filter out the viruses.
We all link to email our friends with jokes and news. One of my favorite websites is
http://www.ssd.noaa.gov/PS/TROP/DATA/RT/nwatl-ir4-loop.html
it takes 30 seconds/per page and has 8 pages or 4 minutes to download on a 56k modem, but it's worth the wait.
Thank you for reading this and I hope that you pass this information on to your friends

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