Choose good passwords for system log in and other files to protect them

 Don't use passwords that are based on personal information that can be easily accessed or guessed

 Don't use passwords that can be found in any dictionary of any language

 Develop a mnemonic for remembering complex passwords

 Use a combination of letters, numbers, and special characters

 Use different passwords on different systems

 Don't leave your passwords lying around

 Don't tell your passwords to others

 If your ISP offers choices of authentication, look for ones that use challenge/response or public key encryption rather than simple passwords

   Install and understand anti-virus, firewall and anti-spyware software

 Scan your entire computer periodically using automatic and manual scans

 Resist believing email chain letters about viruses, as these tend to be hoaxes

 Use a firewall, either hardware or software, to shield your computer or network from malicious or unnecessary internet traffic

 Understand that running anti-virus and anti-spyware software together might cause problems

 Research programmes before you install them and test them