Avoid Risky Downloads, Use
Virus-Protected e-Mail Systems

Viruses downloaded through e-mail attachments and images can cost computer users valuable time and resources.

Avoid those risky downloads by using virus-protected e-mail systems. Two of the most popular systems are Yahoo! e-mail and Microsoft's Hotmail, both free on the Internet. The online e-mail systems allow users to scan their e-mail attachments for viruses while online. They even allow users to view the contents of the attachment or image file without downloading to their hard drive, where viruses and trojans embed themselves and wreck havoc on personal computers.

Yahoo! uses Norton virus scan; Hotmail uses McAfee.

Both e-mail systems work with hand-held devices, or PDA's, and both have junk-mail filters. Both also are free to anyone with access to a Web browser and Internet connection. The e-mail systems can be accessed from any Internet-connected PC, anytime.

Sign up for Yahoo! e-mail at http://mail.yahoo.com/ or Microsoft's Hotmail at http://www.hotmail.com/ and avoid those virus-ridden e-mail attachments.

— Sharon Coleman