Computer viruses can destroy files, ruin programs, and even cripple your computer. They are more common than you think. A survey of 8 thousand subscribers to Consumer Reports’ web site found more than half have had a virus in the last two years.

Linda Mule is one of millions of people who have had a computer virus. She got it from an email that looked like pictures from her sister. I wasn’t expecting pictures, but since it was from my sister I didn’t think twice about opening it. And when I opened it, my AOL shut down."

Linda could not get back on the Internet and she lost important documents. Consumer Reports says being tricked into opening an attachment to an email is the most common way to get a virus. Viruses will get themselves sent to you from somebody you know. Therefore, the return address on the e-mail could be your aunt or your buddy or some friend. And that, of course, makes you drop your guard.

Consumer Reports just tested several software programs that promise to protect your computer against viruses. They all work much the same. Part of the software is always monitoring your computer in case a virus comes in. When the software finds a virus, it lets you know with this letter alert window. In addition, once it finds a virus, it tells you what steps to take.

Consumer Reports found two programs offer the best protection. One is McAfee VirusScan 6.0. The other is Norton AntiVirus 2002. The initial cost for both is $50 and then you pay another $5 to $10 a year for updates to protect yourself against new viruses.

Linda installed the McAfee software. With its help, she fixed her computer. In addition, she has not had a problem with a virus since. The Norton and McAfee anti-virus programs often come pre-installed on new computers. If your computer has one of them, make sure you keep it up to date. That is something many people fail to do.