Hi my name is Karl Daniels, I am writing this article to help people with shopping on line, I would like to start by saying, don't you just hate it when people say "shopping online isn't safe", well I would like to say it is but and that then would make me a total liar, but it can be safe shopping online if you just follow these ten simple rules.

1. Just say "No!" to free software
Many adware and spyware products come bundled with so called freeware. File sharing programs like Kazaa come bundled with nasty programs that create pop-up ads and redirect your browser home page or search results.

2. Use Mozilla FireFox
As of this writing there are no pieces of spyware or adware that attack vulnerabilities in FireFox. Of course, there are vulnerabilities in FireFox that could be attacked so you still have to be vigilant.

3. Use Mac OSX
This operating system, available on Apple computers is much safer to use that any Windows based OS. There are lots of reasons for this but the most important is that this OS has a very low market penetration so virus and spyware writers ignore it.

4. Make sure your Internet Explorer has been patched up to the latest available security patch.

5. Avoid questionable sites
Avoid Web sites that offer unscrupulous content such as pirated software or adult material.

6. Be very suspicious of email. Attachments in particular

7. Use public kiosks with extreme caution

8. Use Firewall and AV

9. Use an anti-spyware product
a What features should I look for - how do I know what is a good product? Detecting and removing spyware is a difficult business. Effective anti-spyware software provides users with frequent updates to combat the latest spyware variations. Run scheduled or manual scans, and make sure you select any proactive monitoring options the software may have. Also, fortify your defences with anti-virus and firewall protection.

10. For IT departments
Consider not giving users administrative rights. It is very hard to install spyware with out that.