Free web proxy

The article just grew until I decided to cover everything I could think of in Windows involving security.

For detailed security checklists and more information see Internet Security Overview

1) Use a Mozilla browser (Mozilla suite, Netscape or Firefox), preferably Firefox. If you must use IE only use it on secure sites like your bank,etc. Never for surfing the net unless you know how to set all the security and privacy features properly.
"Locking down Internet Explorer remains important even if you're not regularly using Internet Explorer to browse the internet. "

2) Install good antispyware and run the scans 3 times. Update regularly.

3) Do not accept cookies from any site you do not trust. Also check from "originating site only."

4) Clear your Cache frequently.

5) Use a good antivirus program. Why pay for one when there are good free ones? Use an antivirus that is updated regularly and make yourself a schedule for scanning (once a week, once a month,twice a month).

6) Use a HOSTS file to block ads, banners, cookies, web bugs, and even most hijackers. This is accomplished by blocking the Server that supplies these little gems. Example - the following entry 127.0.0.1 ad.doubleclick.net blocks all files supplied by that DoubleClick Server to the web page you are viewing. This also prevents the server from tracking your movements. Lock your Host file so it is read only. Simply using a HOSTS file is not a cure-all against all the dangers on the Internet, but it does provide another effective "Layer of Protection".

7) If you need to be anonymous use one of the following. They are legit and safe.

8) Use a good firewall. Read the manuals. Know how to set program permissions.

9) Install the Adblock extension, this is a firefox extension.
Install the newest set of filters from Filterset.G @ pierceive.com Check for updates frquently, usually once a week.

10) In your Javascript options only click "Change Images". Or better, get the NoScript extension for Firefox.
NoScript provides extra protection for your Mozilla Firefox browser: this extension allows JavaScript execution only for trusted domains of your choice. This whitelist based pre-emptive script blocking approach prevents exploitation of security vulnerabilities (known and even not known yet!) with no loss of functionality. Now blocks Java and Flash.

11) You can add the following to your about:config to stop plugins from opening popups.
Open about:plugins then right click and choose Integer.
Add privacy.popups.disable_from_plugins , choose 2 to block popups from plugins.
Sets limits on popups generated from plugins (e.g. Flash)
0: lets all popups through
1: limits their number to dom.popup_maximum (even with popup blocker disabled)
2: blocks popups from plugins

12) Secure your incoming emails. Use Thunderbird and not Outlook.
Make sure your Anti-virus program scans your emails.
Use plain text instead of HTML. Use a email Spam filter.

13) Don't use ActiveX and block bad scripts. (Firefox does not use ActiveX unless you have installed the extension/plugin).

14) Empty the Recycle Bin frequently.

15) Keep your OS updated with the latest patches/service packs.

16) Be careful when installng programs. Never download anything if it is not from trustworthy site.

17) By all means, be extremly careful when using any P2P file-sharing programs. As they can be spawning vats for viruses. Cracked and pirated programs are especially dangerous.