Think before you click

Kids: You can help protect your family from nasty software by following these tips. Here's a checklist for surfing the Net.

Top things to remember to keep you safe on the Internet:

• Think before you click an "OK" button on a Web page or pop-up window. Do you understand everything presented on the page you're viewing? If not, ask an adult!
• Pop-up windows: It's easy to keep closing them, but if they reappear frequently it could mean something is wrong with the computer. If random pop-up windows start appearing on your screen, tell an adult.
• Someone sent you an e-mail attachment. Do you know the sender? If not, don't open it; just delete the message.
• Someone e-mailed or IM'ed you a link. Do you know the sender? You can always ask the sender what the link is for before you click it.
• Make sure the computer you use has a (free) program such as LinkScanner or Site Advisor to help advise you about dangerous Web sites.
• An e-mail asks you to provide your username and password or wants you to click a link. Don't share your username or password, even if the e-mail looks like it's from a Web site you know. If you're not sure, ask an adult.
• Run antivirus software on your computer often--twice a month or even once a week. If you're not sure how, ask for help. It's easy to learn.
• Be careful about giving out photos, your address or your phone number online, especially to new friends. If the information ends up in the wrong hands, it could cause trouble for you and your family. If you're not sure whether it's OK to send information over the Internet, ask your parents or guardian.

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