Online Protection

Install anti-virus, anti-spyware, anti-keylogger software, a firewall and Spoof Stick on your pc. Many ISP's will give you the first 2 listed free. You should use at least 2 anti-spy ware programs. I use 3 and rotate my scans. I also use 2 anti-virus programs, one paid for anti-keylogger and one that's included in my anti-spyware. You can get Spoof Stick free, by downloading it from the Internet, but unless you remember to use it, it's worthless.
Here's what Spoof Stick will do; when you go online and click, type or paste a URL (web site address) in your browser window, Spoof Stick will show you what web site you are really on, on the top right of the window. There are hackers that make sites that look like the real thing, to try to get your information or infect you with viruses and Trojan horses. They may send you an email with a link in it saying they need to verify information regarding an account you have. This is called spoofing or phishing. You may actually have an account where they say you do, but it's probably not a real email from the company. Don't click on the links in it. If you think it's real, type in the company URL you would normally use into your browser. Verify with spoof stick you are on their site, in case they got hacked, and if everything looks ok, log in and see if they really need something from you. Get in the habit of always looking at Spoof Stick to verify the web site you are really on.
What's a key logger you ask? Well, they hack your computer, and can track your keyboard strokes, trying to get passwords to your accounts, so they can steal your money and or your identity. Always use the secure random keystroke (SRK) option if there is one. This is a separate keypad you use in a separate window to click on the letters and numbers of your passwords. Key-loggers cannot track it.