Set Browser Security settings to High for IE and disable ActiveX, File Download, Java permissions, scripting and applets, if you are unsure of new sites. This applies especially to crack, hacking, warez, and BBS sites. Some sites need Java scripting to load and to check this, set Active Java Scripting to 'Prompt'. When prompted on the website, choose No, if site does not load, change from 'Prompt' to 'Yes' and watch out for Popups, Banners, Dialers etc. Alternatively, a simple way to stop pop-ups is to download the free Google Toolbar from: www.google.co.uk
Concerned about viruses, trojans, worms and spam, but aren't sure what they are or what they do? Check out this link and read all about 'em! http://www.sophos.com/sophos/docs/eng/comviru/viru_ben.pdf
If you haven't done so already, get yourself a good antivirus program and a firewall, such as ZoneAlarm Pro, plus a spyware detection application, I use the free Ad-aware SE Personal and update it every month: http://www.download.com/3000-20-10045910.html, also Spybot http://www.download.com/3000-8022_4-10743107.html, and some internet & file deletion progs, (I use Clean Space 7.0 and HistoryKill 2002).
A good free antivirus for personal use is AVG Free Edition by Grisoft, get it here: http://free.grisoft.com/doc/2/lng/us/tpl/v5 (scroll down page and click on 'Download free version').
A highly recommended free firewall is Comodo, get it here:
http://www.personalfirewall.comodo.com/
Before you connect a new (or newly upgraded) computer to the Internet for the first time, read Cert/CC Tech tips on this link:
http://www.cert.org/tech_tips/before_you_plug_in.html
See for info: http://www.russharvey.bc.ca/resources/websecurity.html
Also, 'What are Java and ActiveX?' http://www.cs.princeton.edu/sip/java-vs-activex.html
On no account visit http://crackfind.com without heavy protection as you are guaranteed to come away with a virus and a premium rate dialler. You have been warned!!
Rather than risk your home computer, visit your local library (UK only). Library PCs use a system (Deep Freeze) that protects all the system files and resets with every new user. At my local library I tested the download & upload speeds on their broadband connection: download = 2425 kbps or 303.1 KB/sec, upload = 1320 kbps or 165 KB/sec.
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