Should you open files from the Internet or e-mail that you have saved to your computer? It depends. You should take a few precautions before opening a file that you saved from the Internet or received as an e-mail attachment. If the file is a program or computer code, such as an .exe file, Windows will display a message to alert you that the file could be harmful to your computer. If this happens, ask these questions before you open the file:
Have you scanned the file for viruses?
You should scan all files you download with an up-to-date antivirus program before you open them.
If you do not have antivirus software installed, you should purchase and install an up-to-date antivirus program to help protect your computer. For a list of antivirus programs, see the Microsoft Antivirus Partners (http://www.microsoft.com/security/partners/antivirus.asp) website. If you have already installed antivirus software, make sure that it is up to date and actively scanning the files on your computer. Viruses are released on an almost daily basis, so keeping your antivirus program current is important.
Do you know who created the file?
If you choose to save or open the file, Windows will check the file for a digital signature. A valid digital signature helps to tell you the identity of the publisher (the company, website, or individual distributing the file) and whether the file has been tampered with since it was signed.
If the file has no valid digital signature, you cannot be certain that the file is actually from the source it claims to be from, or that it has not been tampered with. Avoid opening the file unless you have scanned it for viruses and know that the contents are safe.
Do you know what the file will do to your computer?
The publisher of the file should have provided information explaining what this file is for and any special details you need to know about the file to open it. Be sure to read any terms of use or license agreements, and look for anything you don't agree with, such as having to accept unsolicited advertising, or that the program sends information back to the publisher. If this information is not available, you should be cautious about running the file. |
|