Spam, viruses, 'phishing' scams, hackers and identity theft are common terms these days. They can all prove to be a threat to you and your computer unless you take some basic precautions to protect against them.

Here are 10 things that can help ensure you and your computer are safe:-

• Install anti-virus software
• Update anti-virus and anti-spyware products at least weekly
• Install a personal firewall and/or ensure your operating system's firewall is on
• Do not open email messages that look suspicious
• Do not click on email attachments you were not expecting
• Do not click on links within emails – cut and paste the web address into your browser if you are sure of the authenticity of the email
• Do not send personal details, passwords etc. in reply to a request for them by email
• Do not give out personal details, passwords etc. on chat rooms, newsgroups or forums
• Monitor your computer and stay alert to threats
• Take time to educate yourself and family about the risks

More information can be found on the very helpful website - Get Safe Online (see 'Related Links') - where you can find out how to:-

• protect your PC
• protect yourself
• protect your business