Since you're reading this, you're already connected to the Internet. You probably already thought about security on your computer or network. Each day seems to bring new threats and can seem quite daunting, but the key is to have a common sense approach and take some basic precautions.

There are lots of great tools available to help and do not have to break the bank to get them. Here are some of the visiting areas:

BACK

Information security starts here. You will need some or all of the security tools listed below, but still can not guarantee 100% that does not have a problem. Hardware failures occur to back up your data. An easy way to keep your important files is to burn a CD or DVD.

ANTIVIRUS SOFTWARE

An absolute must have. Okay, you already knew, but I can not overemphasize the importance of a good, up to date antivirus software. With the new threats and viruses that arrive every day is important to keep updating subscriptions and download the virus definition updates as they become available.

There are plenty of good antivirus software available, both free and low cost. I recommend going for the payment software ... you never know when you'll have to call a help desk which is usually the difference between the free stuff and things you pay for. Norton, McAfee, AVG, and all other selling antivirus software that is affordable with a low budget.

FIREWALL

A firewall is always recommended to help protect against unauthorized access to your PC. For a small number of computers in a software firewall is generally better and is easier to work if you're not an IT expert. However, do not rule out the hardware firewall, especially if you have a network with a large number of devices in it.

Whatever you do, do not rely on network address translation, packet filtering and built-in ADSL or cable router. It is almost certainly not be enough.

If you are buying a particular company's antivirus software is worth considering the purchase of integrated AV and firewall package, if any (if they do then perhaps you should try someone else). Well you can save money and be easier to configure and maintain.

ANTI-SPYWARE SOFTWARE

If you spend much time surfing the web (and let's face it, who does not?), Then the spyware will find its way into your machine. Much of this is not particularly unpleasant, but the really bad can send important information such as passwords, bank details or credit card numbers to people who really do not want access to those things. At least you can slow down your PC and since you did not ask first, then you should get rid of it.

Some signs of tail lights that have a spyware infection include:

- You're getting pop-up ads all the time

- Your home page or other securities in your browser suddenly change (especially if you can not change again)

- The computer is slow (there could be other reasons for this, but it is worth checking for spyware)

There is some good free software available from Lavasoft AdAware call. Microsoft also has its own free tool for users of Windows called Windows Defender. Among those paid by Anti-Spyware Webroot's software

Spy Sweeper has won numerous awards from computer magazines.

PASSWORDS

More and more people have access to secure sites for shopping, banking, etc. Always take reasonable precautions is a good way to go shopping.

If you have been doing any online shopping you can use to deal with secure sites. What these sites use methods to ensure your servers or encrypt your traffic, if they are accessed by passwords, then share some responsibility for security in their transactions. Here are some tips on how to keep unauthorized users from accessing their accounts:

- Be creative with your passwords. Do not use easy to guess things that many people know about you, or you can find out. Use a mixture of uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers and special characters (once again, be inventive. Only a 1 in place of the letter i is useless if it details a easy to guess the word).

- Use different passwords for different accounts. If you use the same and committed then someone will have access to everything.

- Do not write passwords on paper or post-it. That is the way to a favorite hacker to find passwords if they have physical access to your office.

- Do not allow web browsers to remember passwords on shared computers or office areas. If you log into a machine that other users have access to never use Windows mechanisms or Web browser to remember your account details.

Have different passwords for multiple accounts of different makes it more difficult to remember and it is important that this does not lead to bad habits. So what are you doing?

You could look into getting a password management software. Of course, Norton has a password manager, but other good choices include "Web Replay" of Deskperience or "PC Password Manager XP" CPLab.

And now?

You do not have to go out and buy every piece of security software immediately. Giving priority to one or two to start (I'd suggest antivirus and firewall software). Also download trial versions so you can be sure you're happy with them before you part with your hard earned cash.

Be careful on the internet but do not let it spoil your day.