So be careful with what you download. Read product reviews and find out if other people got headaches from using it.

• Visiting ad-heavy sites

If you visit a site and you’re immediately bombarded with pop-up ads, leave immediately. You might click on an ad that activates an automatic download of malicious software to your computer.

Here is a list of activities which you should be doing instead:

• Invest in good antivirus software. Going online without protection of antivirus software is like going out naked in snow. That’s just how vulnerable an unprotected computer is.

• Most antivirus software packages include an internet security program (also known as firewall). A firewall acts as a barricade between you and unwanted content from internet. When buying antivirus software, it’s better to shell out for internet security as well.

• Once antivirus software is installed in your computer, keep it updated always so it can recognize and remove newly released viruses.

• Whatever browser you are using, check that its security settings are all in default unless you really know what you are doing.

• Periodically delete files that you no longer use.

• Download spyware- and adware-removal tools and run them at least once a week. Be warned that many of these removal programs are a scam, so make sure that what you download is reliable. You can easily search for product reviews to check if program is legitimate or otherwise.

• Back up all your important files all time.

• If possible, have two computers at home. One will be used to connect to internet, and other should not be connected at all.

The second computer will act as storage of all your important files so that even if first one crashes, your life won’t be in ruins.

Don’t be dependent on removal tools and antivirus software packages, though.

Sean Felker is the publisher of the very successful and popular Work at Home and Making Money on the Internet blog: http://making-money-online.blogspot.com

There are no travel costs involved with online education and no travel time whatsoever. The only time you will need to dedicate to your learning will be time you spend studying and any trips to library or other institution you may need.

Many jobs and careers demand a good working knowledge of Internet, and by completing your course online you are already many steps closer to that end. You will have excellent knowledge on Internet research; always being able to find information that is useful to you.

There are some factors you should consider when deciding whether to opt for online education or a more traditional classroom education. You will need a reasonably up to date PC, together with an Internet Connection. Fortunately, computer prices have dropped in recent years, so you can get a capable PC for little more than $300. If you consider using Ebay or buying a refurbished PC then you can reduce this price even more. Don’t forget, you will need a printer, operating software, word processing software and an Internet connection but again price of these has dropped dramatically.

If you don’t have much working knowledge of a computer or Internet you will need to find your way around at first and this can seem a daunting task for beginner. Don’t panic, just stick with it and buy yourself (or borrow from friends or library) books on how to use software you are going to need. Once online Internet has all of this information at hand, and world becomes your playground.

A summary of online education.

Online education can help all people from all walks of like gain education they want to better themselves or to advance in career they already have. Whether you are a working parent or an unemployed bachelor, there are courses available for you to complete through online education.

Online education offers many benefits and few pitfalls when compared to more traditional ‘classroom’ approach but you should carefully consider your options before jumping in.

There are costs associated with virtually all online education courses but these are usually little more than costs to study at a college and when you consider that there are no travelling expenses and no extra living costs, you may find online education to be a much more financially viable option.

©2005 John Thompson