Following these suggestions will make your computer less vulnerable to security breeches while browsing the web. While it does not guarantee that your computer will be "bulletproof", your risk of being exploited will be greatly reduced. Follow the links at the bottom to check the security level of your browser.

How to make web browsing more secure:

• Make sure that Windows XP Service Pack 2 is installed. This service pack increases the security of Microsoft Internet Explorer with pop-up blocking and add-on management.
  
  
• Configure your browser's security settings for safer browsing.

  In Internet Explorer: Tools ---> Internet Options ---> Security

• Configure your browser's privacy settings to avoid unwanted cookies and pop-up ads.

  In Internet Explorer: Tools ---> Internet Options ---> Privacy

• Be careful about which Web sites you visit. Sites devoted to illegal or questionable subjects, such as hacker sites, sites for downloading pirated music or software, and pornographic sites are most likely to contain malicious code.
  
  
• Enable checking of digital signatures on drivers and other programs you download.
  
  
• Do not conduct financial transactions or send private information over the Web unless the site is secure. A secure site is usually indicated by a dialog box or a ÒlockÓ icon in the browserÕs status or address bar.
  
  
• Configure your browser so that it does not automatically download ActiveX controls or run scripts, Java applets, or other code. If you want to be able to run code on some sites, configure the browser to prompt you before doing so.

  In Internet Explorer: Tools ---> Internet Options ---> Security ---> Custom Level

• Make sure your anti-virus program is set up to scan downloads for vulnerabilities
  
  
• Always use the most recent version of your browser
  
  
• Perform transactions (like shopping or submitting personal information) at sites that are well established and that are familiar to you. If you're not familiar with a site, make sure that the site has a privacy policy and information about the site's security measures.
  
  
• Read all information in dialog boxes before clicking "OK"

To check your browser's security level try one of the following links:

http://bcheck.scanit.be/bcheck/

http://browsercheck.qualys.com/

http://www.verisign.com/advisor/check.html