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

5. Protect Your Computer From Spyware, Adware and Malware

Spyware is computer software that collects personal information about you without you knowing whereas Adware bombards you with unwanted advertising in the form of pop-ups and so on.

Malware is similar as far as the "not knowing" bit goes, but its aim is usually to infiltrate and damage your computer.

Computers can become infected by Spyware and its cousins when you download things from the internet or even when you visit websites that are specifically designed to download things onto your computer without you knowing.

Websites offering illegal downloads - passwords to pirated software, pirate movies and pirate music - are regularly used to infect the computers of unsuspecting visitors.

And what can look like a legitimate and useful download - a program to speed up your internet experience for example - may have a Spyware program hiding in the background, waiting to be downloaded on the back of the seemingly legitimate program.

There are even programs out there that claim to be anti-Spyware programs when it fact they are Spyware programs!

The best way to protect your computer from Spyware, Adware and Malware is to install and run anti-Spyware software at least once a week. It can run alongside your firewall and anti-virus protection to keep your computer clean.

Our two favourite anti-Spyware programs are Ad-Aware from Lavasoft and Spybot - Search & Destroy. Both offer free versions that will protect your computer, but again you will need to keep them up-to-date for them to protect you properly.