Blink Before You Link - 10 Tips To A Less Risky Internet Experience

The internet can be a dangerous place to operate. Computer viruses currently cause billions of dollars worth of damage per year due to system failures, infectious data, increasing maintenance costs, etc.  So, how can we avoid these internet nightmares?

1. Use strong passwords: Give a hacker a password that is hard to hack! Use more than 6 characters, numeric and alphabetic values, as well as a mix of upper and lower case.
2. Read emails in text mode: Everything looks better in HTML mode, but this is a prime mode for spammers to hide malicious scripts.
3. Look at the file extension before you download: Some extensions such as exe, pif, and bat most likely contain some sort of virus.
4. Install anti-virus software and make sure it is up to date: Many users think that free antivirus software, such as those that come with your internet service, are adequate enough for full virus protection. However, these programs most likely will not detect the ever-growing list of threats a computer may face. Instead, users should download professional, business-grade antivirus software.
5. Employ a firewall: Using a firewall is like locking the front door of your house.. it prevents viruses from getting in.
6. Disable autolaunch: Set your computer so it doesn't autolaunch files, programs, emails, etc. without your permission!
7. Check for secure sites: In internet explorer a lock icon will display in the top right of the address bar.
8. Read all security warnings, privacy statements, and license agreements associated with any programs  before downloading or installing. 
9. Take advantage of internet security settings: control how much, or how little information you want to accept from a website.
10. When in doubt, Google it: If you are unaware of a link, warning, file, or anything suspicious, do an online search to see what other's are saying.

Sources:
http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-vista/how-to-know-if-an-online-transaction-is-secure
http://www.microsoft.com/security/pc-security/antivirus.aspx
http://blogs.comodo.com/pc-security/1289/
http://sbinfocanada.about.com/cs/management/qt/avoidvirusts.htm