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Tip 1

Protect your personal information. It's valuable.

Tip 2

Know who you're dealing with online.

Tip 3

Use anti-virus software, a firewall, and anti-spyware software to help keep your computer safe and secure.

Tip 4

Be sure to set up your operating system and Web browser software properly, and update them regularly.

Tip 5

Use strong passwords or strong authentication technology to help protect your personal information.

Tip 6

Back up important files.

Tip 7

Learn what to do if something goes wrong.

Tip 8

Protect your children online.

Tip Six

Back up important files.

No system is completely secure. If you have important files stored on your computer, copy them onto a removable disc, and store them in a secure place in a different building than your computer. If a different location isn't practical, consider encryption software. Encryption software scrambles a message or a file in a way that can be reversed only with a specific password. Also, make sure you keep your original software start-up disks handy and accessible for use in the event of a system crash.

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