Using the internet opens you and your family up to all sorts of unsavoury things like pornographic material, malware, phishing attacks and other types of fraud.

No browser is able to keep you completely safe, but you can adjust its security settings to the level you want, depending on what your needs are.

If you're using Internet Explorer 7:

1. Go to "Tools" and click on "Internet Options".
2. Click on the "Privacy" tab.
3. Move the vertical bar under "Settings" to the level you require.
4. Under the "Pop-up blocker" heading, tick the box next to "Turn on Pop-up Blocker" if you don't want any pop-ups appearing. (If you want to tweak the pop-up blocking settings, click on the "Settings" button.)
5. Now click on the "Content" tab.
6. Under "Content Advisor", click the "Enable" button to turn this security function on. Follow the instructions on the new window that appears and click on "OK" when you're done.
7. When you're finished, click on the "OK" button to close the "Internet Options" window.
8. Now, click on "Tools", go to "Phishing Filter" and click on "Turn on automatic website checking..." A new window appears; make sure the option labelled "Turn on automatic Phishing Filter" is selected and click on "OK".

If you're using Internet Explorer 8:

1. Go to "Tools" and click on "Internet Options".
2. Click on the "Privacy" tab.
3. Move the vertical bar under "Settings" to the level you require.
4. Under the "Pop-up blocker" heading, tick the box next to "Turn on Pop-up Blocker" if you don't want any pop-ups appearing. (If you want to tweak the pop-up blocking settings, click on the "Settings" button.)
5. Now click on the "Content" tab.
6. Under "Content Advisor", click the "Enable" button to turn this security function on. Follow the instructions on the new window that appears and click on "OK" when you're done.
7. When you're finished, click on the "OK" button to close the "Internet Options" window.
8. Now, click on "Tools", go to "SmartScreen Filter" and click on "Turn On SmartScreen Filter". A new window appears; make sure the option labelled "Turn on SmartScreen Filter" is selected and click on "OK".

(If you want extra protection, have a look at McAfee's Site Advisor.)

Next, install a website filter on your computer. This is especially important when your computer is open to the whole family and you don't want your kids to access websites that features pornographic material.

Try ParentalControl Bar first — it's free and many swear it's as good as the ones that you have to buy. If you're not convinced, however, you can also try out Optenet Web Filter PC for its 14-day trial period. If you like it, then buy it.

Lastly, install a good spyware / adware protector on your computer. Try Lavasoft's free Ad-Aware — you'll have to manually scan your computer with it periodically, but if you like it, then you can buy an upgraded version that includes real-time protection.

Please share your tips for safe surfing by commenting below.

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