Contra Costa Times, Walnut Creek, Calif., User Friendly Column.

Byline: Yael Li-Ron

Mar. 11--PRECAUTIONS LIMIT RISK OF VIRUS ATTACK: During the past year, I've been noticing a growing sense of fear of viruses among readers who write me with questions. Internet novices, especially, are terrified of browsing Web sites and receiving e-mail lest their computers are invaded and their data lost.

The obvious advice is to update your antivirus software as often as you see fit, at least once or twice a month (I know people who do so once a day, but I feel that's a bit of an overkill).

However, many users still overlook the most obvious tool in their hands: Don't open e-mail attachments unless you know for sure the sender …