It would seem that many computer users just couldn't resist opening their email attachments when the subject line read "I Love You". The first rule for avoiding viruses that are spread from email attachments has been around for some time since the first such instance: if you don't know the sender of an email with an attachment, delete it. Yes, resist all temptation - don't let your curiousity get the better of you.

The second rule is that you should have an antivirus application installed on your computer. webDotWiz has previously mentioned InnoculateIT Personal Edition. It's free and not such a large download from http://antivirus.cai.com. As well, when running in the background on Windows 95/98, it doesn't consume a lot of your computer's resources. There are frequent updates, at least once a week, for the detection and eradication of new viruses.

Thirdly, if you're often posting or receiving attachments because of work or whatever, you might make an agreement with those you're corresponding with that all attachments will be compressed into a zip file with a utility such as WinZip. If the attachment is opened, it's opened in WinZip and can't run immediately if it contains any malicious code. Then the attached document can be checked with an up-to-date antivirus application. It's also good netiquette to include in the body of your email the name of the application (such as Word or Excel) that's associated with the file attachment and the file size of the attachment. There may be a few extra steps involved with this procedure but we can all see what damage the alternative can wreak.

This week's sites' list includes links to sites devoted to the features of the local area, mainly Rushworth and Whroo. webDotWiz is eager to hear about sites that describe other local towns and attractions or personal sites posted by those in the Waranga News readership area. Post to webmaster@webdotwiz.zzn.com with the URL of your site and a couple of sentences describing its content.

When it comes to connect to the Internet, the first step is to find the right Internet Service Provider. The starting point for us country dwellers is to find a service provider who can be connected to for the cost of a local telephone call. If you can get online to do some research, then try the Australian ISP List at www.cynosure.com.au/isp/. You can use the site's access provider to enter your phone number and a list of providers is returned, and the ones you want to note are those enabling access with a local phone call. Remember to further check with your phone company that the number is accessible for the cost of a local call.

When starting out, it's advisable you choose an ISP who offers monthly plans which you can change as you go along and find your needs. Don't think that an unlimited plan - a plan that allows unlimited time access for a month - is not for you. After a month or so, review the cost of your monthly plan and see if an unlimited plan might be more cost effective.

Often an unlimited plan can save lots of anxiety: collecting your few pieces of email suddenly one day takes 15 minutes instead of the normal five and you sit at your computer chewing your fingernails as you count up wasted online time. Then in the family situation the teenagers in particular start using chat to keep in touch with their school friends and there's always an MP3 music title that has to be downloaded. Oh, yes, every now and then there's a big rush to spend some time online to research a school assignment. And after all that, the adults may get a few moments to check their email and catch up on the news.

Shopping online is certainly convenient and can be just as hard on the purse or wallet as visiting the local shopping centre. To make use of the facilities for secure shopping on the Net, especially in regard to credit card transactions, there are a couple of points to consider.

After you've found the goods or service you want to purchase, then it's a matter of finding a shop or service provider who will give the best price. This is a much easier task than driving or walking around town - a number of online sites provide price comparisons. Having decided where you may possibly do your buying, check the site's security. Go to the page at the site where it will be asking you for your credit card number and delivery address. If you're using Internet Explorer, a small padlock will appear in the bottom right of the browser window. As well, in the address bar, you should see https:// instead of the usual http://. In Internet Explorer 5, right click on the page and look at its properties - there will be information about a digital certificate if the site has been verified as secure for electronic transactions.

There are other points you should check: Does the e-tailer have a privacy policy? What about return of goods? What is the delivery method and delivery time? If you're buying from overseas, you should check with your bank for the latest exchange rates, particularly if you're considering a large purchase.

With the growth in e-tailing, there are a number of security schemes that vendors are joining to provide a more convenient and safe online shopping experience - check out the Passport site at www.passport.com to read about its features and which e-tailers are members.

Looking for a study course for your own self-education or to help get that study assignment completed? As a suggestion, webDotWiz offers a directory-type site entitled "Blue Ribbon Learning Sites on the Web" (see this week's site listings for its web address). The site lists courses available in all the main subject areas at learning levels from kindergarten to university. The main subject areas are broken down further so that under English, for example, you're able to view descriptions of sites for journalism, reading, writing and literature courses. The top 75 sites for each category are listed or you can search for a specific course. When you enter the Blue Ribbon site, browse by subject using the frames interface for easy navigating.

Yes, there is a site that collects links to sites that deal with the uselessness of all manner of things, from cars, computers, and cows to trivia. You might try the site where you can build your own cow.

More seriously, all Office users should visit Woody's Office Portal at www.wopr.com for hints and tips, Office shareware add-ons and reviews.

Music titles aren't the only recordings in MP3 format - there is also a great range of books and spoken word titles. While Mp3.com.au doesn't yet have a wide selection, Mp3.com's range extends from interviews, poetry, and politics to storytelling.