If you'd like to test your connection for vulnerability to attack, log on to http://security1.norton.com and run various diagnostics. I would strongly advise anyone connected to Internet through DSL or cable to get and use a firewall to protect against unauthorized access.

Infected with "Spyware?"

Previously we talked about unauthorized access to your computer. But a growing problem online with people watching you and your activities involves using programs you willingly place on your computer.

Commonly called "Spyware," this refers to any program that transmits information about you to someone else without you knowing exactly what gets sent. The main purpose of Spyware involves tracking your surfing habits so advertisers know which targeted ads to send you.

Most Spyware basically comes onto your computer bundled with other software applications, as a standalone program, or as modification to HTML on a web page.

Regardless of how you get it, you need to understand exactly what information gets transmitted about you so you can decide whether to keep or uninstall software. Plain and simple, these Spyware programs can potentially reveal extremely sensitive information about you and your online habits.

If you have concerns about Spyware and whether or not your computer currently carries any, log on to www.lavasoft.de and check out free PC software that will scan your system for known Spyware.

Submit Articles ============

There are many ezines, newsletters and content sites out there that are looking for content. Tip: write a valuable article that’s in demand and post it to as many of these sites with request that they include source. Prepare a brief write-up about author (yourself!) and your website.

Refer-a-Friend ===========

We are used to referring product/services to others and we trust recommendations by people we know. So why don’t we make use of this in our site? It’s simple; just add a simple script for referring a friend in your site. Tehre are various sites which offer this feature for free, e.g. http://www.hotplugins.com . Let your present visitors recommend you. You can be creative and give them some freebies for doing so ;0)

Contest ======

Many people love games and contest. Put one up with attractive prizes. If your ultimate aim is to get more people to your site, make it like a lucky draw. For each friend they get to subscribe to your newsletter, they’ll get a number. That increases their chance of winning. Even better, have a contest on who brings in most subscribers!

Act now and start welcoming more visitors to your site!

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