One way to protect yourself is to know what you are clicking on.

Windows makes this difficult by hiding the total file name.  By default, if file extension is known by Windows to be associated with a type of program, it will hide the extension.  You will have no idea what it is that you are clicking on.  You have no clue if you are clicking on a link to a web site, a picture, or a script file that can cause damage to your system.  For example, if extensions are hidden, you will see great_picture.jpg - rather than great_picture.jpg.vbs!

1.  Close all folders and programs
2.  Open "My Computer"
3.  Choose Folder Options from the Tools menu.

4.  Click on the View tab
5.  Update settings as follows (note that on various systems, the wording may be somewhat different)

6.  Press the "Apply" button.
7.  Press the "Like Current Folder" button.

The good news is that you will see what every file extension is.  You will know that a file is a 'jpg' picture, an 'exe' executable, a 'vbs' visual basic script, or anything else.

The bad news is that you will see files and systems that may be meant to be hidden - that you should not be playing with.  You will just need to be cautious.

The total tradeoff is definitely in your favor.

[back to the newsletter]