Things We Should Avoid Doing Online

The internet world is a wonderful world. It is a world this writer lives in for a good amount of time. In fact, her husband would say that she spends too much time in that world. Yet, it can be a dangerous world, if you are entering it, without protection and without using your brain. Here are some examples of things that none of us should be doing online, no matter what age we are.

We Should Never Go Online, Without Using Protection

No, we shouldn't have sex with strangers without being protected and we should never go online without being protected. The world is a nasty world filled with viruses. We need to protect our bodies and we need to protect our computers. It is that simple. This means you must install a good virus protector before you ever go on Facebook or surf the net. However, this doesn't mean you have to spend tons of money. Many free protectors will work fine. One you might one to try is: free.avg.

You Shouldn't Use Weak Passwords

When it comes to passwords, use your imagination and mix them up a bit. Never use 1-2-3-4. Don't use your maiden name. Don't use the street or town you live in or did live. Don't use your cat's name. Instead you should consider these tips:

• Avoid using real words
• Mix the password up with lower and upper case letters
• Add some numbers to the word
• Try to use eight characters

Spam Can Be Fatal

Yes, spam can be filled with viruses. If nothing else spam is something you don't want. It is just something that may make someone else some money if you respond. Never respond.

Don't Give Out Personal Info

When you are on message boards, even Facebook, don't give out your phone numbers, age or real address. Stick with non basic information. Also be weary of shopping sites that are asks for your social security number. Be smart in what information you give and where you give it.

Never Send Anything In An Email You Don't Care For Others To Read

When you are sending an email to a close friend, remember mistakes can happen. Somehow that email may actually get sent to many other friends. For this reason, be careful what you say and who you say it to in emails, message boards, IM's, etc. If you want to say something that is personal, don't say it on the computer.

Yes, the internet is a great place to hang. You can learn things, you can share things, and you can have a lot of fun. Yet, remember it can be dangerous, too.