Which of these extensions are safe and which aren't:

• .VBS
• .REG
• .PCD
• .PIF
• .SCR

Guess what? They're all potentially dangerous. Opening files with these attachments has the potential to install a virus, worm, or Trojan horse.

Most viruses, worms, and Trojan horses are spread via email. It's no longer safe to blindly open files attached to your email.

Opening files attached to an email is the computer equivalent of Russian roulette

Computer safety rules
It's crucial that everyone follow the three golden rules of computer safety:

1. Install a good anti-virus program and update it weekly.
   
2. Update your browser, email program, and operating system regularly to patch security holes.
   
3. Don't open email attachments.
   

You've heard me say it a million times: Never open email attachments. Viruses spread quickly, and up-to-date, anti-virus software is no guarantee of safety. If you open files attached to your email, you are running a risk. It doesn't matter if the email comes to you from someone you know -- most viruses do.

If you must open an attachment, make sure it is not an executable file. If an attachment contains no executable program code, it can't contain a virus. It is very difficult to know if a file contains executable code.