Now that you have read through all three of my articles on PC Security I'm going to talk about why it is not enough.

You should never rely on software or hardware to keep you safe and never have a worry in the world. The internet is still a risky place and no software can cure the issues I'll bring up.

Spam flies around the web faster than companies come up with products to stop it from entering your mailbox. Spam filtering can be described as weak at best and there are things you need to know to keep safe. First of all, don't believe any email you receive unless you were expecting it or it is from family or friends. Sometimes viruses can attack family PC's and instant messengers and send the virus to everyone on their address book. It may look friendly, but in actuality it is a virus. If you have anti virus software then you should be safe, but there is no guarantee.

No, you did not win one million dollars. No, you can't easily make a living easily working from home. Period. Especially be on the watch for emails asking for private information, even banks. Banks never ask for personal info via email. If you are unsure you can open a new web browser and navigate to the actual website. Login and see if it asks for your info, or email your bank asking about the email, they will tell you if it is fake or not (don't reply to the email in question).

Speaking of personal information online, it is not 100% safe. Anyone who has had credit card information stolen knows what I'm talking about. To be safe, make sure the page you are entering credit card information has the little lock in the lower right hand corner. This means the information is encrypted to a certain level. Most encryption is 128 bit, the larger the better. Even still information can be stolen over these secure networks, it has happened to me. Don't be afraid of buying online, it is safer than going to a store in most cases and credit card companies are sympathetic (visa has even added security passwords to increase security) and will reimburse you and send you a new card.

I would also like to add that lying is one of the best identity protectors. If you are visiting a site that requires your last name or your address for no reason but to log your name and send you junk mail I would plain out lie. The local forum doesn't need your last name and the latest flash game site doesn't need your address. (Note: I am not advising anyone to lie on their banking, credit, job, or tax information. That would be a VERY bad idea. This is just a suggestion to keep your junk mail low and your identity a little more private.)

Finally: Keep your Anti-Virus software up to date!!!
You can't be protected if you don't update. New threats come about weekly and you could be at risk. Most people I know with a virus problem didn't even know they had to update. They just blew through the internet with the false security of an anti-virus program that hadn't been updated since it was bought or downloaded.

The internet requires some common sense. It is not the Holy Grail, you can't pump the internet for money and anything too good to be true generally is. When entering personal information take each step with caution, make sure it is a trusted source. And finally: UPDATE UPDATE UPDATE!

Next I'll be talking about some of the internet trends: Skype, AIM, FREE STUFF! and more