Use Microsoft products to help avoid Malware

Malware can:

• Corrupt data.
• Slow down your computer.
• Use your e-mail program to spread itself to other computers.
• Erase everything on your hard drive.
• Result in identity theft or give a criminal access to your Web accounts.

To help avoid malware

• Don't click links on suspicious Web sites. Type addresses directly into your browser or use bookmarks. Don't trust sender information in IMs, e-mail messages, or messages on your social networking Web sites.
• Turn on your firewall.
• Always use antivirus and antispyware software from trusted sources, and be sure that it is up to date.
• Turn on automatic Web site checking for SmartScreen filter.
• Keep your computer's software up to date. Your operating system and your software programs--especially your antivirus and antispyware software—must be updated regularly. Microsoft Update and most other software programs allow you to do this automatically.)
• Only download programs and updates from reputable sources. If you use Windows or Microsoft Office, always go to Microsoft Update. For other software, always use the legitimate Web sites of the company or person who produces the software.
• Before you install something, consider the risks and benefits of installing it, and be aware of the fine print (for example, make sure the license agreement does not conceal a warning that you are about to install software with unwanted behavior).
• For Windows Vista, Windows Server 2008, and Windows 7, make sure User Account Control (UAC) is active so it always notifies you of changes to your computer. Carefully review each message that you receive from UAC before you allow changes to your computer.