There is a wealth of wonderful information on the World Wide Web, but with the privilege of participating in the digital age, we must be responsible in our web surfing activities. New and more sophisticated viruses are being programmed at an alarming rate. We can easily pick one up simply by visiting an infected web site. Below are a few suggestions to protect you while online:

• Purchase or download an effective Internet Security program (Anti Virus, Personal Firewall, Spyware Protection, Anti-phishing, Home Network protection, Anti-Hacking, Anti Spam). We highly recommend PC-cillin Internet Security. Can't afford a Security Suite? Click HERE for Free Anti Viruses and Firewalls.
• Download an effective Firewall to block hackers, trojans, spyware, etc., regardless of your Internet connection type (see below for recommendations).
• Download an effective Pop-Up Killer to avoid advertising pop-up annoyances. Optionally, download a non-spyware browser with Pop-Up Blocker (Firefox highly recommended). If you're a die-hard Internet Explorer user, then check for the latest service packs on Windows Update.
• Use caution when visiting web sites with multiple pop-up's. I once visited a clip-art website, which popped up multiple advertising windows, one of which tried to infect my system with the JS.Exception.Exploit trojan. Luckily, my Anti Virus program kicked-in. It is rare, but there are web sites out there that implant code specifically to infect visitors' computers.
• Carefully review the privacy policies/statements of web sites, especially if you are required to submit personal information for any reason.
• Clear your Temporary Internet Folders and History regularly.
• Monitor your child(ren)'s web browsing activities. Also, review the browser web history. Set up parental controls, if available. A safe alternative is to download a Child-Safe Browser.