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Use your computer safely by following these important tips.
- Enable firewall protection on your Internet connection.
- Monitor computer activity with a current antivirus application.
- Install software security patches when released by the manufacturer.
- Read email in plain text format.
- Open only those email or instant messaging (IM) attachments that you expected to receive (even when you know the sender).
- Avoid anonymous peer-to-peer (P2P) and distributed filesharing sites that often distribute malicious files with expected content.
- Pay attention to news describing the latest frauds and be suspicious of anonymous email solicitations for money or personal information.
- Back up important files regularly and keep them in a safe location separate from your computer (like a safe deposit box).
- Use passwords that are difficult to guess, avoiding birthdates and real words but including a combination of letters, numbers, and symbols.
- Never reply to spam.
- Avoid carpal tunnel syndrome and back pain by maintaining good posture and hand position while working at your computer.
Topics from the Safety Council