 Before you open a file or install a program, follow the instructions below when you save it to your hard disk. These steps will allow your antivirus software to check the file and give you the option to delete it, if potentially damaging code is detected. 1. | Save all your work to help avoid losing data in case a problem occurs. If you can't remember the last time you backed up your computer, consider doing it now. Installing some software programs might erase data on a computer (though not always intentionally). | 2. | Double-click the link or the file to start the download. Internet Explorer displays the warning shown below. (If you're downloading a document, you'll see an Open button instead of Run.) 
A The name and type of the file. B The publisher of the file. (You'll get the chance to check up on the publisher later.) C Internet Explorer offers guidance. | 3. | If you have any doubt at all about the file, click Save. | 4. | Indicate where you want to save the file, and click Save. 
| 5. | After you've saved the file to your hard disk, double-click the file to open or run it. If your antivirus program detects a virus, do not continue. Delete the file from your hard disk. (Delete the message, too, if the file was attached to e-mail). | 6. | Internet Explorer displays one last warning (shown below). Click the publisher name (A) to check for a valid digital signature. If you cannot click the name, the file has not been digitally signed. Click Run only if you have absolute trust in the source of the download. 
B For better protection when you download, leave this box checked. | 7. | If you see "The digital signature is OK," click OK, and then click Run. If you do not see this sentence, you can't be sure either of the source, or that the file has not been tampered with since it was published. Click Run only if you have absolute trust in the source of the download. 
Note: Just as your written signature verifies your identity, a digital signature verifies the identity of the publisher of a file, the sender of an e-mail message, or the signer of a document. It also certifies that the file or document you're about to open has not been tampered with since it was published. A digital signature cannot, however, prevent a file from harming your computer. | 8. | Carefully read the license agreement, and if you agree with the terms, click I agree. Surprisingly, programs bundled with spyware, for example, will often specify in the license agreement that they will monitor your surfing habits or display advertisements. When you click "I agree," you're giving the software publishers permission to track your computer on the Web or display ads. | 9. | Follow the directions on your screen if you are installing a program.  Be more cautious with certain file types
While no type of file is perfectly safe, pictures, music, and text files with names ending in .jpg, .gif, .mp3, or .txt are less likely to be harmful. Be extra cautious with all other file types. Files with names ending in .exe, .com, .bat, and .vbs in particular, may contain code, which if harmful, could damage your system. |
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