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Install reliable anti-virus software. Antivirus programs will catch some of the most popular Trojan carrying files and worms.
Update your anti-virus software regularly. New viruses, worms, and Trojan horses are born daily, and variations of them can slip by software that is not current.
Install robust anti-Trojan software. Antivirus software is not effective against some Trojans.
Add a firewall: ZoneAlarm is one of the best firewalls for Trojan defense. Not only will it keep some types out, it will catch many Trojans in the act if your computer becomes infected. There are other firewalls that offer similar protection.
Don't use features in your programs that automatically get or preview files. Those features may seem convenient, but they let anybody send you anything, including dangerous worms.
Configure Windows to always show file extensions.
Do not open any attached files or run an executable file unless you know what it is. Even if the file comes from a friend, you still must be sure what the file is before opening it, because many trojans will automatically try to spread themselves to friends in an email address book or on an IRC channel.
Be careful when downloading files from the Internet. Ensure that the source is a legitimate and reputable one. Do not download any files from strangers. Don't download an executable program just to "check it out" - if it's a trojan, the first time you run it, you're already infected.
Be very careful about strange or unexpected popup windows offering or requiring that you need to download or install.
Never blindly type commands that others tell you to type, or go to web addresses mentioned by strangers, or run pre-fabricated programs or scripts (not even popular ones). If you do so, you are potentially trusting a stranger with control over your computer, which can lead to trojan infection or other serious harm.
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