Is it safe to open files that are downloaded from the Internet?

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It depends. You should always treat files you download from the Internet with caution. Much depends on what you know about the file, its source, and its contents. Here are some ways to help make an informed decision about whether to open the file. Look for warning messages. Internet Explorer displays a message when a website attempts to download a file to your computer. If the message contains a yellow caution icon, then the file has been identified as a type that could pose a risk because it might contain computer code (possibly a program or computer virus). * Scan the file with antivirus software before you open it. * Save the file to your computer and then scan the file with an up-to-date antivirus program before opening it, rather than opening the file directly from the Internet. * Be more cautious with files that are not pictures, music, or plain text files. While pictures, music, or plain text file types (their names frequently end with one of these three-letter extensions: .jpg, .gif, .mp3, or .txt) are less likely to contain computer code or a virus, you should still be cautious with them. Look very carefully at the file name and extension because many viruses use double extensions, such as mypictures.jpg.exe, to trick people into running them. With all other file types, you should be even more cautious. It might be safe to open the file if all of the following are true:* When you run the file from the download dialog box, the message shows the publisher's name. If the publisher cannot be identified, it is safer to delete the file unless you know who created it and what it will do to your computer. * You completely trust the publisher. For example, if you have received files from this publisher before or they were recommended by a trusted person. * You requested the file. If a file starts downloading automatically or is offered when you didn't specifically request it, cancel the download.