This thread contains important information to keep you safe, it seems long but PLEASE read it!
General information - Do not download anything you don't trust! This is the number 1 rule of the internet!
NEVER give your passwords to anyone! Remember, you do
NOT know who they are, it's easier to lie than you think.
ALWAYS check what you are running. DO NOT run a .bat file blindly, right click it and go to edit, if it doesn't look safe then
DO NOT RUN IT. If you do want to be sure, look in other files,
ESPECIALLY JAVA FILES, virus scanners
DO NOT scan java files!
Now, this one is debatable, try to stay away from "hypes", it's rare but viruses can "slip" through virus scanners when the virus is new. A new hype could be a virus spreading campaign.
If you are unsure of a files safety, I have provided links to some popular online file scanners:
http://virusscan.jotti.org/ <- Recommended, although the server can be pretty busy.
http://www.kaspersky.com/scanforvirushttp://onlinescan.avast.com/Personal Messages, PMs etc - Do not download ANY links sent to you through the forums PM system, I guarantee you these will almost
ALWAYS be viruses!
Do not visit forums sent to you through the PM software, even if your sure there safe,
do not download anything advertised there.
Staff's "servers" - NEVER join a server when the server owner is a forum staff member, and the person advertising it is not a staff member.
NEVER download a staff member's server when the person advertising ti is not a staff member.
Staff asking for passwords - NEVER tell a staff member your password, like I said before, you
NEVER know who you are talking to.