If you are the type of person that likes to download lots of files of the internet, you could be pushing your luck when it comes to getting a computer virus. If this is the case, I'll assert that you have little understanding of just how vulnerable you are to getting infected. This article is my way of helping you avoid the dreaded infestations.

I have put together 10 tips that you can follow in order to avoid being infected by a nasty virus that could potentially turn your PC into a disaster zone.

1. Purchase and install a well respected antivirus software program and be sure to set it up so that it automatically runs when the computer starts up.

2. Your anti virus software must be kept up to date. You can do this by checking it manually on a weekly basis, or on some software, this can be set up automatically for you.

3. You can also set up your software to automatically scan for viruses each time you open a word document that you recieve through email. This virus is called a Macro Virus.

4. Downloading software from the internet should not be done too often. It is very easy to get infected this way, even though there may be lots of great programs available This is very risky.

5. There are many ways to swap data between two different computers. I don't recommend you do this unless it is unavoidable, and even then you must scan the storage device you are transfering from for viruses.

6. You must format floppy discs the first time that they are used to transfer data.

7. Don't install any software that hasn't been purchased from a well known and trusted vendor.

8. Never install software that is pirated. This is not only illegal but also a great way to get infected with a virus.

9. Before you open and install a program you have downloaded of the internet, ALWAYS scan them for computer viruses.

10. Back up your files on regular basis so that if you do get infected, you can delete the corrupted files and replace them with clean ones that were saved earlier.

Finally, it is not guaranteed that if you follow the above steps that you will not be the victim of a computer virus,but you can sure bet that if followed you will greatly reduce the chance of being an unsuspecting recipient of such an unwanted program.