These tips can help protect the computers you use for school from viruses, hackers, spyware, and other attacks.

1. Perform basic computer safety maintenance
Before you surf the Web, you should perform four key maintenance steps to help improve the computer's security.

• Use an Internet firewall     • Update your computer. • Use up-to-date antivirus software. • Use up-to-date antispyware software.

2. Don't open files from strangers
E-mail and instant messaging (IM) can spread viruses and worms if you aren't careful. (Most e-mail viruses are spread by people who are tricked into opening an infected file.) You should never open a file attached to an e-mail or an instant message unless you recognize the sender and you are expecting the file.

3. Help fight spam and online scams
You can use technology to help keep junk e-mail from deluging your screen. Phishing is another threat to your privacy that could lead to the theft of your credit card numbers, passwords, account information, or other personal data.

4. Learn how to protect yourself from spyware
If your Web browser has been taken over by pop-up ads, or there are toolbars on your computer that you didn't download intentionally, your computer might be running spyware. Spyware is software that collects personal information from you without first letting you know what it's doing, and without asking for your permission. You might get spyware if you download music or file-sharing programs, free games from sites you don't trust, or other software programs from a suspicious Web site. If your computer is running Windows Vista you have spyware protection built-in. Learn more by reading

5. Take precautions when you go wireless
Many high school and college campuses have wireless networks, so you can surf the Web in the library, cafeteria, or a classroom. These networks are convenient, but they do come with a security risk.

6. Password protect your computer—and lock it
Passwords are the first line of defense in protecting your computer from criminals, pranksters, or a careless roommate. If you don't use a password to log on to your computer, anyone can access your computer and unlock it.

(To "lock" your Windows computer, hold down "Windows logo key + L." Follow the instructions on the screen to unlock your computer when you're ready to use it again.)

7. Back up your work
The image of students losing their term papers because they forgot to back up their work has almost become a cliché. Still, many of us don't have the time to back up.

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Articles obtained from Microsoft.com