Browsing the World Wide Web Guide

• NEVER run your PC/Mac without good antivirus software. e.g. AVG (FREE download and updates)Norton (fee req , buy from any PC shop) AND regularly update it. This is an important point as non updated antivirus cannot detect the new strains and is therefore USELESS.
• Install a correctly configured firewall. Usually for the home user this is a software solution.
  ( e.g. ZoneAlarm (FREE and Fee versions available , Agnitum Outpost (FREE) )
• Before installing either new AV or Firewall software I would suggest a web search and a look through the vendor pages. Conflicts can and do occur with certain hardware and software configurations so beware !
• Check out this Firewall comparison , and while your there have a look around the site for other security tests. (Shields Up! , Probe my ports etc ). A very useful site.
• Download a spyware/malware detection tool ( e.g. Adaware ) , you'll be surprised the amount of cookies that are used to track you!
• Check your browsers security at Scan IT
• Disable thrid party cookie's
• Turn off scripting
• Use a pop up stopper , either one included in browser or download a free add on .
• Donwload regular updates for your windows OS , backup up important files before you install though........
• Subscribe to an IT newsletter and keep up to date with current events that may effect you.
• Check that your dial up settings are still correct and have not been hijacked by a premium rate dialer
• Create several 'disposable' new e-mail address ( e.g. Hotmail , Lycos , Freeserve )
• When filling in forms on web use only one of your disposable e-mail accounts
• Holding down control and scrolling mouse wheel toggles text size in most browsers
• Internet Explorer is not the only option. Try a new browser ......( e.g Opera , Mozilla )

• Lots of spam? Use a mail filtering tool e.g. Mailwasher . This allows you to bounce e-mail before its even downloaded from the server.
• Disable preview pane if you are a Outlook Express user View>>Layout>>Preview Pane (uncheck box)
• DON'T use the unsubscribe link in junk mail unless its from a trusted source.All that accomplishes is to verify that your e-mail address is valid so you get even more !
• Hide e-mail address in newsgroup settings or use spam address (see Newsgroups section below)
• Report spam/abuse.
• Don't believe virus warnings or forward them on to others
• Mail isnt always from who it appears to be!!!
• Download a 'zip' compression utility ( e.g. WinZip (FREE) ) and compress files/pictures when you send them to friends and family.

• Simple 'Nettiquette'. Try not to 'top post'. Dont just reply with all previous text , trim excess but keep overall sense if you can.
• Read the group FAQ.
• Search the group archives to see if your topic has been asked before (e.g. Group Tab on Google homepage).
• Beware of 'trolls' out just to inflame and annoy.
• Hide or disguise your e-mail address if you post to newsgroups. Your e-mail WILL be harvested if you dont take preventative action BEFORE posting.
  For Outlook Express the settings are in Tools>>Accounts>>News Tab>>Properties>>e-mail field.
  Something like ' xxxxxxx@nomailxxxxxx.xxxxxx.xx.xx (remove nomail to reply) ' where xxx are your normal address.
  The undesirables are getting wise to this ploy , so I suggest you make your own variation. Best way I would suggest is to use another e-mail account for only newsgroup mail replies. That way if its gets spammed badly you can just create a new one.