How to use a computer and not get viruses?

[Dagoth Ur]

Any computer that has a virus can't be "broken". All you have to do, no matter how bad the virus is, is reinstall Windows with the disc that came with your computer or use the "factory reset" feature that newer computers have. It will wipe everything clean and start fresh and anew.

To be quite honest, many parents blame their children for a slowing or freezing computer. A lot of the times, it is just because too many programs are being installed and it isn't even a virus. The whole family is often to blame.

To prevent viruses make sure not to download and run programs from shady sites. Don't download email attachments from people you don't know.

There is also free active anti-virus protection available like Microsoft Security Essentials. The "active" part means it tries to prevent viruses in the first place by stopping infected files from executing in the first place.