Ten steps to safer surfing

1. Make sure your version of Microsoft Windows is kept up to date

2. Use Mozilla Firefox as your web browser instead of Internet Explorer

3. Install and use a frequently updated anti-virus software programs

4. Install a firewall to further protect your computer

5. Protect Your Computer From Spyware, Adware and Malware

6. Don't download pirate movies, illegal music files or stuff from sites offering you cracks, codes or keys to unlock pirated software

7. If you must visit the dark side, check out the website via Scandoo first

8. Beware of false prophets bearing gifts

9. Be wary of pop-ups

10. Tell everyone who uses your computer to follow in your footsteps

10. Tell everyone who uses your computer to follow in your footsteps

If you share your computer with family, friends or colleagues make sure they are aware of the dangers and that they too take adequate measures to protect your computer and the data it holds.

Keeping things up to date should be the sole responsibility of one person (better still, set your ant-virus software and firewall to automatiocally update itself), but everyone should know not to download potentially dangerous things from the internet and everyone should know that Ctrl-W (Command-W for Macs) gets rid of pop-up windows quickly and safely.