Posted by axxxr
Paul Boutin has written a great piece for Slate about a cost-free 3-step method to keep your PC virus free. Please read it an use it so your PC doesn't end up become a spam and virus spewing zombie.
Virus-proof your PC here
Posted by Sammy_boy
Very useful info that, Axxxr, Thanks!
I'm already doing most of that, but it's very easy for someone (me included!) to mess about with the settings on Internet Explorer or Outlook and leave their PC vulnerable.
One other tip I picked up is not to have the preview pane open on Outlook/Outlook Express. In other words, have it set up so that you have to double-click on an email to read it rather than have it appear in a window below the list of recieved emails automatically. Apparently some spam will 'realise' it's been read, send a report back to the spammer that your email address is a legitimate one, and you'll get even more spam! Best thing to do is to delete the spam without even looking at it.
Posted by Jim
No, actually it was a hole in the security of Outlook where are virus could launch when you opened the e-mail. I know it because I had it, pain of ass to remove, damn f*ck*ng lamer virus writers kiddies