How to avoid computer virusses

Of all the problems that can occur with your computer, I've seen that the most common root cause is some type of virus or spyware. In this day an age, it is absolutely necessary to have an up-to-date virus scanner running on your computer. However, there are a few other things you can do to avoid viruses.

1. Don't click on Links in emails AND Messenger
   I know how hard this is... You get an email from a friend that says "is this photo really you?", and curiosity gets the best of you. Sure enough, it turns out to be a malicious website and now you've just sent that message to your contact list.
   TIP: Ask your friend if they meant to send the message before you click on it.
   
2. Update your virus definitions regularly
   Most anti virus software packages will automatically update the virus definitions. DO NOT disable this feature!
   
3. Set up a firewall (windows firewall is fine)
   By default, Windows has a firewall program. Keep it enabled! It will save you a lot of grief.

As for Virus Scanning software. There are some big leaders in this field. I've used both Norton and McAfee for a number of years, and I believe that both are mostly a waste of money. For the last few years I've been using a product called AVG. It is free and it is fantastic. I install it on the computers that I maintain and I've never seen a problem with this software.