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In Part One of this series we talked about how to clear your system out and get your security software in place, but security software is only part of the equation. Your computer is still only as secure as you are. So in part two we’re going to discuss Safe Surfing habits and how to keep from accidentally opening the gates and letting the mongols in.

The first thing you’re going to have to do is scrap Internet Explorer. A lot of people still think that there are no other options for web browsers if you want to watch videos and do all of the things you love on the web. This is not true. Welcome to the world of Firefox everything Internet Explorer can do, Firefox can do and it’s not as vulnerable to virus and spyware attacks.

Now, if you are really and truly security conscious you can setup what’s known as a Sandbox for your web browser. SVS is a sandbox program that you can use. I recommend using SVS and Mozilla together to visit any unfamiliar website for the first time. If you don’t know what the site is, don’t take the risk that it will infect your PC.

To install SVS just download the SVS Personal package and unpack it. Now run the Software Virtualization Agent installer. When you are asked for a license click “Get it Free” and accept the license, a file will download that has your personal license key, copy it and paste it into the license space. Click next and accept all of the defaults. You’ll have to restart your system once the install is complete. Next download the SVS Trinket, extract the Trinket and double click on the installer, after a final reboot you’ll need to download Firefox for SVS and extract it (If you just MUST HAVE Internet Explorer then here is a link to the virtualization file for it).

The final step is to right click on the little golden disc with a V on it that is now in the system tray near the clock, click Import and navigate to the Firefox VSA file, click open and let it import. Now when you want to launch firefox just right click on that disc and pick Firefox from the list and choose Activate. You’ll see a Virtual Firefox icon appear. Click it and surf.

I know this seems AWFULLY complicated to get set up, but once you’re done your browser launches just like it always has until you unload it and you’re completely safe. But for those who think that’s too much trouble I have an alternate solution below.

If you choose not to use Firefox or SVS then the next section is very important. Do not click on any popup, EVER. I don’t care if it looks like a message from Bill Gates offering you a million dollars to click the ad, it’s a LIE. Do not click popups. Do not click animated ads with monkeys on them. Do not download animated screen savers, do not download animated wall paper. And remember this maxim, there is nothing free on the internet. Everyone is trying to make money in some way. Either through ad revenue, sales, or donations. If someone is giving something away think twice about accepting it. That goes for me too, every product I recommend on this site is a product I use and a product I have an affiliate agreement with. I have ads on the site and requests for donations.

With the sandbox in place you can be a little more relaxed about what you click on because the sandbox prevents any malicious files from being transferred onto your system.

These steps will protect your computer from inadvertently becoming infected by a file you download or a video you watch. Always practice safe web surfing and remember to

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