Promo: Worried about Internet security? I'll give you four tips to keep your Internet computer safe from the bad guys.

With these four simple tips, you can learn to protect your Internet computer from those who may want to harm you or it.

Tip one: Download programs only from trusted companies. Reputable commercial enterprises that have to keep up goodwill and a public image aren't going to create or risk transferring destructive programs or ones with computer viruses.

Additionally, anything from well-known shareware and freeware distributors like at www.hotfiles.com is going to be tested before made available so you can feel safe.

Tip two: Get a computer virus scanner and use it. AntiVirus Resources at www.hitchhikers.net/av.shtml is a wonderful place to compare the virus scanners and eradicators and download the actual software. Once downloaded, scan for viruses frequently and check any suspicious programs immediately.

Tip three: protect your passwords and change them often.

Choose a good password that uses both upper and lowercase letters and special characters if possible. Try combining two or more easy-to-remember words. Avoid using the same password for all your files so that if someone breaks one, they haven't broken them all.

Tip four: Use only secure sites for transactions. Look for the keys or locks on your browser. If you have these, you can feel safe that hackers can't steal your information, if you see these or no icons at all on your browser, forget giving them your information.

With these four simple tips and a little common sense, you can feel secure from most any virus or computer hacker.

From age 6 to 96 and beyond, there is something on the Internet for everyone. I'm Jack Nelson, The Internet Tutor.