Attachments can be a mixed bag of surprises. Ordinarily an attachment is simply a file of some sort that somebody wished to share with you. However, under adverse circumstances, an attachment can carry with it a harmful virus that can potentially damage certain files on your computer, if not your computer itself, in the worst cases. It is important to identify the attachments that you're going to open before doing so.

Each e-mail client will show attachments differently so, depending on the client you've chosen, you will need to access the attached files in different ways. Most commonly, you'll see either a new paperclip icon in the message itself, or you will simply see a list of the attachments under an "Attachments" header somewhere in the message.

If you can't identify the sender of the attachment or if it appears to be something that has been mass-circulated, it is suggested that you "Right-click" on the attachment and move down to "Save as", save the file locally on your computer and then scan the files with your virus scan program before opening. By following this advice, you minimize the chances of your data or computer being damaged by an illicit computer virus.

Depending on the format of the attachment, you may or may not be able to view it. Simply put, if you do not have the software that was originally used by the author of the file, you will not likely be able to view the file. In cases where you do not have the associated software, you must obtain it before you will be able to view the software. As with most rules in life, there are exceptions to this rule, but we will not venture there. For more information regarding file-types, please contact your computer vendor.