If you're one of the unfortunate ones, you had a virus-ridden ILOVEYOU email sitting in your inbox on May 4th. With any luck, you knew enough not to open it. This virus disabled computers all over the world, and businesses are still feeling the aftermath.

The good news is that many didn't open the virus because word of the worm got out quickly. But how can you protect yourself if a virus pops up that you haven't been warned about?

Buy antivirus software

Hopefully if you're in a business setting, you have antivirus software on your PC. If you don't, get it.

It's not very expensive, about $40 per computer. The software will detect any viruses that come in from email attachments, Web downloads, and floppy disks.

Once you've got software, though, your work isn't over. You have to make sure it's frequently updated. New viruses are being developed every single day.

Some software will update automatically through the Web, while others will require that you check out the vendor's site to update.

Watch your email

At your own workstation, you can also do your part to guard against viruses.

Keep an eye on emails with attachments. If you receive one from an unknown source, don't open it. Pay special attention to attachments with .exe or .vbf extension; they're more prone to contain viruses.

As the ILOVEYOU virus proved, even if an email is from someone you know, it could still contain a virus. Many viruses spread so quickly because they are programmed to automatically send themselves to everyone in the recipient's address book as soon as they are opened.

Your best bet is to only open attachments you are expecting. Or if you do get an unexpected attachment from a friend, scan it first.

Back up your files

Frequently back up your files. If you do happen to get a virus that ruins your files, at least you have copies and they aren't gone forever.

Keep your eyes open for new viruses

It is true that rumors about potential viruses run rampant. But if you do hear about a virus in an email or from a friend, it doesn't hurt to pay attention to the details. If an odd email shows up in your inbox, you may be happy you listened.

There are also virus alerts all over the Web - like on news sites or portals - which have daily updates on virus watches.

Tell your neighbors

One last tip: if you do get a virus, tell those that you've been in recent or regular contact with -- whether via email or by sharing disks. Then they can keep an eye out.