A little bit of time invested into learning about internet security can go a long way in preventing mishaps on your computer. Temporary internet files are not something we should be afraid of, but we should certainly be careful in how much we trust them and how we deal with them.

Temporary internet files are image, text, and formatting files that are stored on your hard drive by websites that you visit. They are placed there by websites without your having to do anything. The files are stored on your computer first time you visit site so that next time you go to that webpage you only have to load new information or files that have changed since last time you visited - files that have not changed are loaded from temporary internet files folder at a much faster speed than over internet.

This seems like an incredibly appealing option, especially to those of us still working at home on dial-up connections (my teenage brother-in-law insists I'm "old school" because I don't have DSL - I think he may be right). Storing temporary internet files on hard drive significantly cuts down amount of time it takes to completely load and view a website.

There are a few question areas, however, that need to be considered in any discussion about temporary internet files. First, and arguably most trivial of concerns, is that you may miss out on all of updated information website has to offer. If your browser loads files from your temporary internet files folder rather than updated material from website, you may miss out on an updated football score, or you may get a different image than one others are viewing. The system is designed so that things like that don't happen, but possibility is out there.

Second, storing huge numbers of files can bog down your computer, slowing down its ability to do even simplest of tasks, such as word processing (a deadly one-two combination if you're working with dial-up!). Fortunately, you can control number or size of files that are being stored on your hard drive. Typically under Tools>Options menu of your browser you'll be able to set amount of your hard drive you're willing to dedicate to temporary internet files. You may want to set this high or low, depending on your browsing habits and need for speed.

Third, temporary internet files folder may contain files that contain viruses, inappropriate images or text, and files that could leak personal information to websites. This is obviously a huge concern any time you allow someone virtually unregulated access to your hard drive. Images from an inappropriate website you accidentally stumbled across (it has happened to all of us) may be stored on your hard drive. Corrupted files may be placed there by an unfamiliar website you only visited once. Cookies and other files may potentially spawn popups that cover your screen in a matter of seconds.

Listeners can retain audio archives to listen to at their leisure. While blogs have turned many bloggers into journalists, podcasting has potential to turn podcasters into radio personalities.

Podcasting can be used for:

1. Self-Guided Walking Tours - Informational content.

2. Music - Band promotional clips and interviews.

3. Talk Shows - Industry or organizational news, investor news, sportscasts, news coverage and commentaries.

4. Training - Instructional informational materials.

5. Story - Story telling for children or visually-impaired.