On the net there is no guarrantee of anything. Only one rule applies: Scan everything. The safest procedure is to scan your system before you go online, and make sure your firewall is on! Then before you shutdown you scan again. All downloads need scanning before installing That way if a virus appears from the downloaded file ~ it will tell you by scanning before and after net use... you can eliminate 'mysterious viruses' suddenly appearing be very careful to accuse a broker or a site of sending virus laden files. Make sure you have proof of your accusations. Viruses can attach themselves easily ~ through malicious time based or trigger based coding~ thus causing hardship to the accused ~ where the responsibility was not in their hands just my 2 cents on it