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Only connect the network and telephone cables to the Internet when ready to surf. Disconnect them when finished to prevent hackers and spyware from communicating.

Use free online security scanners to check out the PC while online. But, watch out for high-pressure sales pitches and no-name scanners intended to scare you into buying a product you really do not need. Be aware that some security merchandise you buy online can have a virus and malware in it.

Crank up the volume to your dialup modem and listen for new disconnects and connections. A modem hijacker program could be racking up your telephone bill. Screen your autodialer for unauthorized and unnecessary telephone numbers and verify them with your Internet dialup service provider.

Show and explain to your kids how you are using security precautions and get them to use them, too.

Keep an Internet connection firewall activated and running, along with antivirus and antispyware programs.

Assume that any and all Internet downloads contain a virus or malware. Form the habit early on of performing virus and spyware scans on any downloads, regardless of the source. Get your kids to do the same.

Never read spam, whether online or offline. Never open attachments in spam. Teach your kids.

Only visit websites that you can trust. Never follow links in spam or unknown links from any emails. Too many websites are attempting to transmit downloads of spyware, viruses and malware to your computer.

Don't feed the trolls. Do not waste time interacting with doom-sayers and people with negative attitudes on the Internet because you can be distracted and then let something bad download onto your computer. Trolls may also be criminal hackers looking for a new victim.

Log out of all administrator accounts and surf online with a restricted user account. This will help limit damage from hackers and malware that may become active despite all your other precautions. Keep strong passwords on all user accounts.

Routinely check the manufacturer's website for your operating system and for your major software installations to download security updates. Install them as soon as practical.

As cruel as it may sound, reduce or eliminate all peer to peer networking, visits to social networking websites, and the use of instant messaging. These are becoming new avenues for viruses and malware to enter your computer. File transfers across those systems are just another dangerous download.

Learn more about this author, Raleigh Stout.
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