How do you do the internet?

More importantly, How do you get there?

Internet Explorer? AOL? Well Its possible some people just have not tried any other way to cruise the net. Thats not only sad but could be unfortunate "IE" just seems to be the ultimate target for malice. Microsoft seems to be on top of things but "IE" lacks many features some other Browsers can give you, not to mention perhaps a advantage being a minority not yet worth hacking could offer protection too!
Its worth mentioning Firefox and a few others are not based on Microsoft's Internet explorer.

Here's the short list,

FIREFOX
The current number one favorite for me and more than 75 million others is Firefox its Mozilla based just like Netscape but slimmer trimmer and currently fast reliable and secure. Firefox features Tabbed Browsing a
Popup Blocker and Smart Search go here to see the "5 minute challenge" make sure you look at some of the Extensions that add functionality and for some un-needed weight.

NETCAPTOR
I'm using Netcaptor right now. I love the advanced Tab Browser feature called CaptorGroups, just find your everyday can't miss pages and have them load automatically when you startup the program. Netcaptor uses a pop-up blocker too but keep in mind it is IE based. The free version is good worth your time to try. Free Netcaptor is ad driven however and funny enuf supports ad blocking too. Secure? yup, NetCaptor's secure clean up feature obliterates your cache, history, cookies, AutoComplete and other private data by overwriting it 1 to 35 times before deletion. So You can drop the ad's for a mere 29.99. I think most will enjoy this one enuf to drop a few bucks.

AVANTBROWSER
I use Netcaptor and find both choices quite comparable.
Avant has a very loyal following, visit the link above or search'em at Download.com the best part is its totally FREE period. Don't be to shy to donate if you love it! they accept almost anything in any form . If you’re happy with the basic structure of Internet Explorer but want to beef up your browsing experience, Avant Browser is the ideal free upgrade. Its impressive range of fun and practical features makes surfing the web simpler and faster. And it rocks.

GHOSTZILLA
So your at work no time to be looking at web sites? HeHe or is it?
Ghostzilla also mozilla based, is the Stealth browsing choice it opens in any window with a mere mouse gesture. Ghostzilla is a Web browser like Firefox, but it shows up and disappears instantly, discreetly, blended with your application -- any application -- so the Web pages look like part of it and not like the Web at all. (Read here how.) What would you use it for?
Hide from your boss and coworkers. Not a good idea; you can get caught or end up wasting lots of time.
Have a browser instantly available and dismissable within your work application, washed out from ads and unnecessary pictures. This is actually useful -- except you risk developing attention deficit disorder. Seriously.
Visit HERE but I caution you bypassing most company net filtering or limiting is naughty and could get you fired or worse in a lawsuit for compromising corporate security.

LASTLY,
I'm not gonna rant about AOL today but If you have AOL you don't have to be limited to their browser. Keep a watchful eye out for IE 7 I have seen it in beta and its heading to you sporting most of the same features and more secure too like most of the choices shown here. Also Nearly all browsers can be modified with plugins or helper apps but be very careful there many are host to adware/spyware apps causing more harm than good... Yes I am sorry all the options here are for just Windows based systems perhaps someday I will cover other OS information.

Heres a side note,
See TRILLIAN and GAIM for your alternate instant messaging needs. "there's a whole new article I'm gonna let someone else do."

What's Worse? A Virus, Hackers or Spyware?

There's a good question.

A Virus, Spyware, Adware are all bad news for any PC. A recent study shows a "naked" (read no anti-virus, anti-spyware or adware and firewall ect.) gets something in a mere 12 minutes. In any case by the time you figure out there's a issue its just too late.
So are you already halfway to the store to get your all inclusive "fixes everything" 30-60 dollar solution? Don't go just yet....

Have a plan!
Just because Its on the shelf does NOT make it the solution.
I have some reccomendations for you that work fine you can get right now for free and a few links to more facts and info.

Spyware/Adware:
Spybot™ My all time favorite works super and even watches for issues in realtime.

Adaware™ The first freebie I ever used for spyware its good.

Microsoft AntiSpyware™ Still in beta, I use it beside spybot but only run one realtime scanner either Teatimer™ (Spybot™) or the one in Mcrosofts product.

Its not a bad idea to have 2 installed and ready to scan for a problem sometimes or program will find what another won't...

Anti-Virus:
Grisoft AVG Free™ I always reccomend this to someone that just can't keep up with updates, most just won't pay for updates this one solves the problem and works well.

AVAST™ no this has nothing to do with pirates but will get you out of a jam with nasty viri. Many IT types use this because of regular updates and versitility in scanning. see the web link its cool.

UPDATE

AntiVir™ This is a free version too! AntiVir Personal Edition offers the effective protection against computer viruses for the individual and private use on a single PC-workstation.

Trend Micro™ Maker of PC-cillin™ Visit this site these guys make one of my favorite not for free scanners and theres some free tools here too.

Computer Assoc No freebies here but I trust CA over anyone for my system and you get 30 days to try em Also if you are a Time Warner™ customer you may be able to get EZ Armor™ free "firewall & Anti-virus".

Firewall:
Whats a firewall? Let's say you owned a wherehouse on the corner of B&E boulevard and Larsony Lane, Imagine lots of windows at ground level to peek at all your private cool stuff now some bad guy is just a tap on the glass from cleaning you out! A firewall is the bars on the windows with the ability to give whom ever YOU choose personalized keys to open them...
If your saying "why do I need one now?" Just imagine if I was sitting here at home now looking at anything I wanted on your PC, trust me its easy to do and there is bound to be something on it you don't want to share. The moral of this story is unless your on dialup still download a firewall now.
Note: Windows XP SP2 has a basic firewall already.

Zone Alarm™ Its free and I like it plus it has a feature thats like a panic button just click the padlock to seal off internet access instantly.

Kerio Personal™ Free go see, same idea as above.

Pop-ups:
Google™ toolbar I'm not big on toolbars I think most are ad-driven security hazards but Google gives you decent pop-up protection. Understand most pop-ups are from existing Adware that you most likely removed already. I still think Google's bar its cool.

Also on the pop-up thing it important to note both Firefox & Opera brousers automatically resist them too.
Watch later for my Brouser post comming soon!

Here's some other sites with loads of data on these things PC World has a great list for most of what we covered. The Brits love The Register new and exciting virus headlines. Most other companies also have descriptions and news on what they do.
Lastly, If its a pop-up telling you theres a problem with your PC like "WARNING YOUR PC IS INFECTED or UNPROTECTED" be afraid VERY afraid do not press that pop up just close it. (use ALT-F4) Any program you installed may also open a dialog window "this is the exception to above rule" but if you are not sure just close it.

Good luck, post some questions and I will help if I can.

Got coupons?

There are deals going on every minute somewhere on the internet.

What are you looking for???

I truly can't stop cruising the net for deals or demos. Its nice to know that you just got the best price and knew enough about the thing you just ordered to be sure it does what you wanted seeing you just can't cross the street and return it. So many Vendors and a few crooks but a little research go's a long way If you asked me to find a deal for you here's where I would start. I'm about to give away a few Tricks of the trade, Read on!

Here's a list of some of the places I enjoy,

Sooo many places Classified listings. "put down the newspaper its in here"
http://newyork.craigslist.org/about/pr/factsheet.html

Pc parts bottom line. "Love the actual cost shipped thing they do"
http://pricewatch.com

Coupon codes "buying dell? go here 1st"
http://gotapex.com

"Hmmm, you would be braindead if you missed this one but I can't help myself" http://ebay.com

The following is a selection of vendors I personally have used and like their deals and or customer service.

Geeks.com "A personal favorite" Watch everyday for the daily specials and Hot sales on weekends, holidays even late-night they run for limited time but always have a few must have toys cheap!

NewEgg.com Always good prices nice selection of laptop parts and certainly one of the better internet retailers.

Tigerdirect.com
This one has a deeper inventory more products like plasma TV's and sends great direct e-mail offers.

I got on the lists and signed up for emails from both these guys I just can't ignore http://www.3btech.net/ and http://www.surpluscomputers.com/ wow! they get pulls and odd items Pc related "Very hard to speak to anyone by phone, expect good email results in 2-3 days".

http://9software.com Need Software? the prices are right here. Mutli packs OS ect, ect.

Also in the process of choosing a product its good to see some input from others I enjoy both http://cnet.com product reviews and http://epinions.com both will help you collect facts or impressions on a future purchase.

Lastly, If you must download tons of demos games and apps proving your just a software junkie "Like Me!" see http://download.com and http://gamespy.com to scratch the gaming itch. Why buy before you try?

You now have my links that will keep you "In the Know" and may even save you some hard earned cash and a few hard lessons we all could avoid...

Gone Live today

Listed with webblogs and Blogger today.
Publishing new content each week including my Pc tips and Internet shopping tips please click anyone of the the ads you see here to helps things along and I will keep a interesting dialog going here.
Thanks, Jason