Top 10 tips for a virus-free life

The number of viruses in the wild increases every year and despite the growing sophistication of security software the threat of infection remains serious for home and corporate users alike.

However, the weakest link in the chain is still the user.

With a little help from Network Associates, silicon.com offers you some help in avoiding those pesky worms and viruses.

So here are our top 10 common sense tips on how to avoid computer viruses.

1. Use anti-virus software
2. Make sure you update your anti-virus software as often as possible in case of new viruses found in the wild
3. Be aware of emails sent from strangers or emails with a peculiar subject line
4. Never open attachments from an unknown sender
5. Delete chain letters or spam, they only clog up the network
6. Do not download any files from unfamiliar sources
7. Be careful when downloading files from the internet and make sure your anti-virus software is up to date
8. Back-up your files on a regular basis in case of virus incident
9. When in doubt, do not execute, open, transport or forward files
10. If in doubt, check your anti-virus vendors' website