While computer attacks have gotten more sophisticated (drive-by downloads for example), many vulnerabilities are still delivered the tried and true method: your email. How can you protect yourself?
Don't open attachments!: While us geeks have been spreading the word for years, this is still a widespread problem. Why? It is likely that people see an attachment from someone that they know, so they figure it is safe. Guess what? That is exactly what the malware writers want you to think! The malware that they write goes through your address book and sends itself to everyone of your contacts! Attachments from those you know are not necessarily safe! If you open email through the web (hotmail, gmail, yahoo, etc.) then they are set to automatically scan attachments before they open. If you use a work email, or an email from your ISP however, you don't have such protection. It is better to be safe than sorry!
Don't be hooked by Phishing!: Since you have already updated your browser (you did...right?), this is much easier. All three browsers have built-in anti-phishing features. In Internet Explorer for example the address bar will turn red warning you. You aren't out of the water yet, however! Phishers will try new bait-in the form of hyperlinks. They typically send an email from a financial site (paypal, ebay, banking, etc.) asking you to update your information. Should you follow the link in the email? NO! If you think that this is legitimate, you should open up a new tab and manually type in the sites address in the address bar.
Download Responsibly!: Get media from Limewire? STOP! Is it legal? No (even if you buy the PRO version). Is it safe? Definitely not! It is incredibly easy to write virus code and piggyback it to an mp3 file (or any media file). The goal is to attach it to the current most popular songs, and watch as your virus spreads like the plague. Do you dread the thought of paying iTunes $1 a song? I can't blame you (I hate iTunes). How are you supposed to get music then? I think that the best way to get music online is from a subscription service. You can pay anywhere from $9.99 to $14.99 a month and get access to all the music you could ever listen to. There is alot to be said for performing a search for Aerosmith and clicking a button and suddenly you have every album they have ever recorded. I have used several of these services and I recommend the Zune Marketplace, Rhapsody, and Amazon MP3.
If you follow the tips mentioned in this guide, you will find that you will suddenly be able to worry about the important things in life again!
Like remembering to hug your nearest geek! Geeks are people too.