1. Keep your windows software up to date. This protects you from viruses, most of which exploit holes that have already been patched.

For windows and internet explorer:

http://windowsupdate.microsoft.com : click PRODUCT UPDATES link

For ms-office products:

http://office.microsoft.com/ProductUpdates

We recommend installing all Critical patches, and use your judgement on the Recommended ones.

2. Use Internet Explorer 6, among other benefits it lets you block cookies for specific web sites. Under Tools -> Internet Options -> Privacy Tab / Edit... Button

We 'Always Block' these: admonitor.net advertising.com atdmt.com doubleclick.net google.com humanclick.com link4ads.com preferences.com search.com valueclick.com webtrendslive.com x10.com

3. If you need to erase your browser tracks from other people who have access to your computer, see Window Washer at:

http://www.webroot.com/washer.htm

4. If you hate companies that secretly monitor your surfing habits, get rid of this spyware using:

Ad-Aware: http://www.lavasoftusa.com
spybot: http://security.kolla.de/

If you are using Gator (spyware), or are looking for a browser plug-in to manage username and password forms, try RoboForm:

http://www.roboform.com

If someone else uses your computer or you do demos, the last thing you want is for Internet Explorer to autocomplete some porn url. Or if you are using some search engine and some of your old search terms pop up.

This feature can be cleared, and turned off so as not to happen in the future:

Tools -> Internet Options
click Content tab
click Autocomplete... button
uncheck "Web addresses" (url line)
uncheck "Forms" (search engine form)
click "Clear Forms" button
click OK, OK

Then do:
Tools -> Internet Options
click General Tab
click "Clear History" button
set "Days to keep in history" to zero
click OK

If you want to clean up your tracks, try the window washer product.

Worth 30 bucks not to have Microsoft tattling on you.

Peas,

Aprime