Keep your computer operating system and Internet browser current. This can help protect your computer from ad-ware, spyware and other forms of potentially dangerous software.
Keep anti-virus software up-to-date. Anti-virus software needs frequent updates to guard against new viruses. Download the anti-virus updates as soon as you're notified that a new download is available. Some programs also offer an automatic update.
Install a firewall. These prevent unwanted network connections from reaching your computer.
Scan your computer regularly for ad-ware, spyware, and other forms of dangerous software. Using solutions such as firewalls, anti-virus software and anti-spyware tools can help keep your computer safe.

Home Internet Security Do’s and Don’ts

 Do
· Use anti-virus and anti-spyware software to prevent identity-stealing mal-ware
   from invading your computer.
· Install firewall software on your computer
· Back up your important files regularly.
· Perform regular scans of your computer, and keep your anti- virus software
   updated.
· Keep your operating system and browser software updated.
· Use anti-spyware software, keep it updated.
· Keep your application and operating system software updated.
· Delete suspicious messages without opening them first.
· Keep you e- mail address as private as possible.
· Turn on Automatic Updates to ensure that your Microsoft software has the latest
   software fixes and security patches.
· Use the Windows Firewall if you don’t have a third-party firewall.
· Talk to your children about the potential dangers of the Internet.
· Encourage your children not to post their names, phone numbers, home addresses,
   e-mail addresses, and photographs on the Web.
· Watch for signs that your child may have been approached by a sexual predator
   online.
· Turn on WEP or WPA to encrypt your wireless traffic, and ensure that only
   authorized users connect to your access point.
· Take additional steps to protect your wireless network, including changing the
   SSID regularly.
· Use a firewall, and turn off file sharing when using a public hotspot.
· Consider using and anti-virus product on your smart phone or PDA.
· Use a password to protect the information on your PDA if it gets stolen.
· Activate 911 dialing if you use VoIP.

 Don’t
· Open suspicious or unsolicited e-mail from people you don’t know.
· Click links inside e- mail or open attachments from strangers.
· Click pop-up ads or unsolicited and alarmist pop-ups that claim you have spyware
   or other problems with your PC.
· Accept e- mail attachments from strangers.
· Open e- mail that claims to come from a financial institution or e-commerce site
   that you don’t do business with.
· Post your e- mail address online.
· Be swayed by alarmist e-mails demanding immediate action.
· Run two or more firewalls on the same machine simultaneously.
· Use the default SSID or passwords when setting up a wireless network.
· Conduct sensitive transactions such an online banking or e-commerce purchases
   at public hotspots.