A computer virus is software that attempts to affect your computer without your permission. Viruses do not spontaneously generate; they are written by someone for a specific purpose.

A few simple rules to avoid viruses:

1. Don't download anything from anyone you don't know or aren't expecting... EVER. If you get an email from a person or company that you do not know, do not download or open their attachments. If the file is infected, it will not harm your computer as long as you do not open it.

2. If your email has an attachment, look at the name. If it's got a pif or scr extension, chances are it's a virus.

3. Use an Antivirus protection program. McAfee is a good choice. You may download a free version or purchase a more detailed version at http://us.mcafee.com/default.asp/.

4. If children are using your system, monitor them. Make sure that they know never to download a file or open an attachment without asking you first.

If you suspect that your computer has a viruses, you may use the free UWF virus detection and removal tool found at http://support.its.uwf.edu/clean/.