Keep your virus scanner effective. An out-of-date virus scanner is only marginally better than no virus scanner at all. Virus scanners depend on accurate, updated anti-virus files to be effective. Set up your virus scanner to automatically update or check for updates at least once a week. Check on it periodically to ensure that it's still up to date. And frequently visit your security vendor's website for the latest word on security threats.

Don't open any files attached to an email from an unknown, suspicious, or untrustworthy source. And don't open any files attached to an email unless you know what it is, even if it appears to come from a friend or someone you know. Some viruses can replicate themselves and spread through email. It's better to be safe than sorry and check your friend really sent the email.

Delete chain emails and junk email - don't forward them or reply to any to them. These types of email are considered spam, which is unsolicited, intrusive mail that clogs up the network.

Exercise caution when downloading files from the net, making sure the source is a legitimate and reputable one. Verify that an anti-virus programme checks the files on the download site - and don't download any files from strangers.

Update your anti-virus software regularly. More than 500 viruses are discovered each month, so you'll want to be protected. These updates should be at the least the product's virus-signature files. You may also need to update the product's scanning engine as well.

Back-up your files on a regular basis. If a virus destroys your files, at least you can replace them with your back-up copy. You should store your back-up copy in a separate location from your work files, preferably not on your computer.

Be smart when using instant messaging (IM) programmes. If you use an IM programme to communicate with friends and family, be careful about sending any personal information through online communications. Protect yourself by using a nickname for your IM screen name, so your name isn't identified through IM. Never accept strangers into your IM groups. Be smart about how you use IM at work because your employer has the right to monitor and view your messages.

Watch out for phishing scams. Phishing scams use fraudulent emails and fake websites - masquerading as legitimate businesses - to lure unsuspecting users into revealing private account or login information. To be safe, if you receive an email from a business that includes a link to a website, make certain that the website you visit is legitimate. Instead of clicking through to the website from within the email, open a separate web browser and visit the business's website directly to perform the necessary actions. You can also verify that an email is in fact from a legitimate business by calling the business or agency directly.

Use email wisely. Email is a great way to keep in touch with friends and family, and as a tool to conduct business. Even if you have good security software on your PC, however, your friends and family might not have the same protection. Be careful about what information you submit via email. Never send your credit-card information, National Insurance number, or other private information via email.

Create smart and strong passwords. Make it difficult for hackers to crack your password. You can create a smart password by incorporating capital letters, numbers, and special characters, and using more than six characters. An example of a strong password is: Go1dM!n3.

Shop safely. Many online stores have the right protection for you to purchase online. Read the online store's privacy and security policies before shopping. If you plan to order from an online store, be sure that the website uses secure technology. When you're at the checkout screen, verify that the web address begins with https. Also, check to see if a tiny locked padlock symbol appears at the bottom right of the checkout screen, or that there's a statement on the checkout screen stating that the checkout pages are secure with a security technology vendor. Check that the security technology does exist by checking the security technology company's website.

Fun and care-free online gaming. Internet games are fun for the whole family. Make sure you're careful when playing online games, especially when communicating with other players. Be sure that your security software still functions when you're in gaming mode.

Pay attention to your children's online activities. Keep your home computer in a community area so that you can monitor their activity. Use child software that is age-appropriate. Limit your children's time spent online. Install and use parental-control software that allows you to monitor your children's activity online. This will keep your children from accessing undesirable websites and sharing personal information online.

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