A great free program for being more secure on the web is Spybot Search & Destroy. There is a tutorial on how to set it up and use. You can use it in combination with Lavasoft's free Ad-aware and Free ZoneAlarm firewall.

Keeping your virus checker updated is a first defense besides knowing more Symantec Security Response (virus scan online here). AVG AntiVirus Free edition updates frequently and works well with Kerio Personal Firewall (free limited edition for home users) recommended by Internet friends. Another free for home non-commercial use antivirus software that is constantly updated is AVAST. A personal favorite is MailWasher to view mail/headers on your server, identify and delete spam before downloading to your email (free version or Pro version to handle multiple email accounts). Add the Google Toolbar to Internet Explorer for a nice way to eliminate pop-up ads as well as search the web.

I still learn a lot from The Internet TOURBUS - viruses, hoaxes, search engines, urban legends, cookies, free stuff, cool sites. The Netscape Unofficial FAQ forums and get information about Firefox to help to solve problems.