Flash Drives/Thumb Drives/Memory Sticks - Virus avoidance Tips

Since its emergence, the flash drive/memory stick or whatever you may like to call it, has become another must have IT gadget. Its huge popularity has not gone unnoticed by virus creators, hence they are now one of the most popular form of virus transmitters. So to be on the safe side of things, the following tips shall help slow down the spread of computer viruses:

1. Avoid inserting it into devices that do not have an updated anti-virus program installed.
2. When you do insert it to a computer, DO NOT double-click it to open it or respond to the auto-run menu that comes up when first inserted. This is will activate the virus if its in your flash drive or on the computer. 
3. To view the flash drive contents, open up Windows Explorer or My Computer and have it display in the Explorer view such that when you select (single-click) the flash drive on the left hand pane, the contents appear on the right-hand pane of the window. Remember to never double-click to open folders within.
4. Scan your flash drive regularly with an updated anti-virus program.
5. Do Not lend to people who don't posses the above knowledge on how to use a flash drive.

With that, the more people who use their flash drives with caution using the above advices, the less will the propagation of viruses become.