DO

Use virus and spyware protection.

Without virus and spyware protection your computer is an open door to hackers and virus spreaders. Norton and McAfee use the most up-to-date anti-virus protection available. Always get their security updates every 2 weeks.

Completely erase your hard drive, if you throw away or give away your old computer. There are free downloadable programs to scrub the system before you give or throw it away. Try Sure Delete by (www.wizard-industries.com) and CodeTek's Safeshred Free for Macs.

Use only one credit card on the internet

This way if your information falls into the wrong hands you can cancel it. Always use a different credit card out in the "real world."

And to be sure you are not a victim of identity theft, get a copy (every year) of your credit report from all 3 major credit bureaus.

Equifax (800-685-1111) www.equifax.com

Experian (888-397-3742) www.experian.com

Trans-Union (800-916-8800 www.transunion.com

About the Author

Affiliate marketer and accomplished gourmet cook. Visit my websites: www.earlybirdspecials.info www.phyllisrecipes.com www.medicineestore.com www.happypettips.com