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o you've installed virus protection software on your computer, probably Symantec's Norton AntiVirus or McAfee's VirusScan. Now you can sit back, relax, and be virus free, right? Wrong. Though very important, antivirus software alone will not ensure a safe computer system. Making sure to download and install bug patches, updated virus definition files, and security fixes for all your software applications, as well using common sense, will ensure that your computer is truly safe.

Security patches and bug fixes

Fixes and patches, usually offered for free through software manufacturers' Web sites, are small files that you can download to repair newly discovered problems with the software program you have on your system. These problems could open the gateway for viruses or other hazards. However, if you make it standard practice to keep your software current, you can protect your computer from any unpleasantness.

To be sure that your software is operating at its best, it's a good idea to periodically check the product Web site or sites devoted to news about product patches. When you see a patch related to security, be sure to download and install it on all machines using that application. Be sure to verify the version of the software you are running so that you can get the appropriate updates. In some cases, the companies will no longer issue bug fixes or security patches for older programs, so you might have to upgrade to a newer version.

Alternatively, you can go to CNET's CatchUp page where you can subscribe to Download Dispatch, an e-mail newsletter that gives you information on product updates for your software.

Viruses frequently exploit e-mail and Web browser programs. So, while you should investigate security patches for all of your software, be especially certain that your Internet tools, e-mail programs, and Web browsers are up to date.

Here are some useful links:

Microsoft Outlook Security Patches

Microsoft Internet Explorer Patches

Symantec has a Security Check that you can run on for your computer

Virus definition files

If you've installed your virus software according to the instructions, updating your virus definition files will be a fairly painless and automatic procedure. The trick is to make sure your computer is on when the updates are scheduled to happen. If you've set your updates to occur during the night, don't power down your computer when you leave the office. Also, make sure your Internet connection is on and ready when you need it to be.

However, you may wish to update your virus definitions before the next scheduled time. It's a good idea to do this when:

· Anyone in your organization, or anyone that regularly sends you e-mail, has received a virus.

· You have reason to suspect you may be infected, but your virus scan is not picking anything up.

· You hear about a new e-mail-born virus propagating through the world's computers.

Manual virus scans

If you've set all the preferences as described in the antivirus software installation instructions, you should be fairly well protected. Your settings should provide for automatic scanning of files that are identified as high risk. However, feel free to manually scan software, downloaded files, and any other materials that make their way onto your computer. This is especially necessary if you file share by disk in your office. (Why are you file-sharing by floppy? Get networked!)

If you've turned off automatic scan features to prevent system slowdowns or conflicts, be sure to run a manual scan at least once a week. And, as with updates, make sure your computer is on when the automatic scans are scheduled to happen.

Common sense

Common sense is what stops you from opening the door to thieves even though you have a security alarm on your building. Use it with virus protection issues as well. If you receive an unexpected attachment from someone -- even someone you know -- don't open it. Check with the sender and see if it's legitimate. If you can't verify its legitimacy, delete it, and send a return e-mail notifying them and telling them why.

If you download programs or files from the Internet, be sure they are from a trusted source. Also, scan the programs and files for viruses before opening them.

Do not propagate e-mail virus warnings unless you have checked hoax sites and determined that the threat is, indeed, real. Symantec has a site for this express purpose.

If a virus strikes you, warn people on your network and in your address book as soon as possible.

In the age of the Internet and other networks, it's easy for a virus to spread like wildfire. However, if we all practice safe computing, we can make sure our systems stay healthy.