1. Never open an attachment from within the email, first save it to a folder on your HDD (attachments would do). Just in case it isn’t a known virus.

The act of saving it to the hard disk should have standard shield scan it. If nothing is detected but you are still suspicious you could also check the offending/suspect file at: Jotti - Multi engine on-line virus scanner.

If this is an unexpected email with an attachment from a friend (which isn’t usual for them) or contact, I suggest you contact the sender to confirm they sent it. Otherwise just delete it if it is totally out of the blue and or from an unknown source.