4. Don't list your email address on your own web site in plain html or as a link to a contact form. Spammers use automated robots to capture these addresses and add them to SPAM databases. Instead use an email cloaking script whenever you need to show your email address. You can search at Google.com using phrase "email cloaking" and come up with a lot of options. Just pick one that works best for your particular needs.

5. Do not buy anything from a company that sends you SPAM. Not only might company or offer be a scam but you are jumping right into fire by letting spammers know that your email address is active and that you buy from spammers. Your address will be sold to thousands of other spammers.

6. Never reply to a spammer or click "remove my address" link. That only lets them know that your address is good.

7. If your email service or email client comes with SPAM filters use them.

8. You might want to think about subscribing to a SPAM prevention service. Search on Google.com for "SPAM prevention service" and review your options.

Following these simple tips could cut your SPAM down by as much as 90%. Wouldn't that be great!

Data encryption - Automatically scrambles any sensitive data that you do allow to be transmitted.

Stealth mode - Hides that fact that your PC is even connected to Internet so that hackers can't see you.

Pop-up ad blocking - Stops those annoying ads.

Cookie blocking - prevents web sites from sending you cookies without your permission Spyware protection - Blocks dangerous spyware from operating on your PC

There are many software-based firewall programs that can be downloaded from internet. Most of them come with free trials so you can test each one and choose what's best for you. Although you won't have to be King Geek to install and set up your firewall, there are some adjustments and settings that will have to be tweaked. All of better firewall programs come with decent instructions and many of products have help available at their web site.

If you notice that some program that used to work stops working after you install a fire wall then you'll have to make a change in fire wall's configuration that will enable program to operate freely. If you find that there is no way to let your previously operating program pass through firewall then that might be a good indication that you need to try a different fire wall. Be sure to check with makers of both software program and firewall before you give up and change.