Forums mIRC Help How Can I Prevent Getting Backdoor.Sdbot again?

Hi,
I recently got a the Backdoor.Sdbot virus, which Symantec says is acquired through IRC. It completely ruined my main hard drive, but I love IRC and I don't want to have to get rid of it if I don't have to. Is there anyway I can prevent against getting this virus again in the future? Thanks so much.

Do virus scans and updates on a regular basis.

get a virus scanner if you dont have 1(i recommend mcaffee),update the scanner regurlarly,dont click every url you see,dont accept every file someone tries to send you, dont let people take control of your system unless you know them(hackers probably cant be prevented), dont hand out your ip address, use a server with masking.

· Don't visit webpages that people post on IRC, especially if the url is randomly sent to you via /msg or by someone who quickly joins and parts the channel.

· Don't accept strange files from people on IRC. Make sure that your DCC Ignore settings are enabled so they can work FOR you. Type /dccignore accept to Accept only Safe File-types (ignores all non-safe filetypes).

· Don't type commands that others tell you to type. Nobody on IRC will randomly give you useful/ secret commands to help you... so be more paranoid and trust that everyone's out to get you. They really are.

- Raccoon