How2NotFail

Is there an easy way to tell for sure if a download has a virus? No. But- There is an easy way to tell if it doesn’t have one! The secret lies in file types. Generally speaking, there are two types of files. Executable files and data files. Executables are any type of file that has the ability to execute code on your computer. Data files (like pictures, or audio) are read by other programs.  No code is executed.

There are exceptions to the rule, and even ways to bend the rules a bit. Computers are very tricky business. In most cases, the below mentioned file types should be okay. I would like to caution against Microsoft Office file types, however, since those may contain macros that have the ability to execute malicious scripts if you don’t pay close attention.

( Reference:  How to Show File Extensions )

Here is a list of commonly used safe file types:

- Image Types -
jpg, jpeg, bmp, png, tif, tga

- Audio Types -
mp3, mid, ogg, au, wav

- Video Types -
mov, mpg, avi

- Office Documents -
xls, docx, doc, txt, rtf, ppt

- Compressed / Zipped -
(While the actual compressed file won’t be infected, note that what’s inside could be. Always check.)
zip, rar, ace, 7z, gz

The above mentioned file types are very common, and should under almost all circumstanced never be “infected”.

- Common File types that could potentially be infected -
(Always scan with an Anti-Virus if you’re not sure)
exe, bat, vbs, cmd, pif

In any case, knowing this tid bit of information goes a very long towards keeping your computer intruder-free. Always have a trusted anti-virus (ex. AVG, which is free) and try to download only from trusted websites and friends.