Here are a few things I’ve learned in the many years I’ve been using the internet.

Be Cautious

Be cautious about anything you read on the web, in an email, on social networks, or on a newsgroup. There are so many scams and frauds that the best thing to do is ignore all of them entirely, especially any “fantastic” money-making opportunities, “get rich” schemes, and so forth. When I was a newbie, I fell for the Don Lapre 900 number scam, lost $700, and learned my lesson. You need to understand there is no free lunch, no quick get rich scheme, and no one tells you how to make a million dollars for a hundred bucks.

Don’t use a debit card on the internet

Debit cards are attached directly to your checking account. If there is fraud, why not let it be the banks money (with a credit card) instead of your own money (with a debit card) that’s at risk.

Learn to design

If you want to implement web site, first take a class on web design. A well coded site with a terrible design won’t server your needs.

Choose your domain registrar wisely

There are hundreds of companies that will register your domains. Take your time, read some reviews and choose a registrar that gives you a good price, excellent features and that you feel comfortable with. To register a domain, you should expect to pay less than $10 per year. Remember, in the case of domain registrars the biggest and most well-known is not the best by any means.

Practice safe computing

Install a hardware firewall appliance to protect your home computer; Install an anti-virus program and keep the definitions up-to-date on a weekly basis; Program your spam filters to block all executable attachments; And, most importantly, backup, backup and backup (and test your backups to be sure they work).

Check out Safe Computing Is Like Safe Sex for more information.

Never send out spam

Stop and think before sending that email to everyone in your contact list. Also, make sure you don’t reply all unless it is appropriate (it rarely is).

Teach your kids about the dangers of the internet

If you have children this is a must. Tell them about the dangers of chat rooms and strangers. Inform them that things are not always what they seem. And most important of all, monitor and restrict their computer use.

Use a domain name

If you set up a web site , get your own domain name instead of the URL provided by the web host. This allows you to move your site without losing your search engine rankings, link exchanges and so forth. It also looks much more professional.

Avoid giving out private information

Don’t give out any information to any web site that is not essential for the transaction. If you have a choice, don’t give out your social security or drivers license number. Be careful giving out any information and only give it to trusted sources.

Use good spam filters

Most modern email accounts such as Gmail include good spam filters. Make sure they are turned on.

Stay up-to-date

Visit boards like webmasterworld often to get more information about what’s going on. Get on some security mailing lists to get the scoop on various threats (especially CERT). And always hunt for more knowledge.

Promote your site wisely

If you have a web site, before submitting your site or spending a dime on promotion, ensure you understand what you are doing. There are thousand of promotion methods, including search engines (especially Google), link exchanges, and viral marketing. Avoid Free-For-All pages and link farms like the plague, and, I repeat, don’t spend any money on advertising until you are positive you understand what your money is purchasing.

richardlowejr