Thanks to the Internet, you can order books, clothes, or appliances online; reserve a hotel room across the ocean; download music and games; check your bank balance 24 hours a day; or access your workplace from thousands of miles away. The flip-side, however, is that the Internet, and the anonymity it affords, can give online scammers, hackers, and identity thieves access to your computer, personal information, finances, and more. But with awareness as your safety net, you can minimize the chance of an Internet mishap. To be safer and more secure online, adopt these seven practices:

• Protect your personal information. It's valuable.
• Know whom you're dealing with.
• Use anti-virus and anti-spyware software, as well as a firewall, and update them all regularly.
• Make sure your operating system and web browser are set up properly and update them regularly.
• Protect your passwords.
• Back up important files.
• Learn who to contact if something goes wrong online.

The FTC offers a publication online called Stop, Think, Click with specifics on safer computing; to order, visit www.OnGuardOnline.gov. To keep up to date with information about the latest computer threats, sign up for alerts from the Department of Homeland Security at www.US-CERT.gov.

• OnGuardOnline.gov, managed by the FTC, OnGuardOnline.gov provides practical tips from the federal government and the technology industry to help you be on guard against Internet fraud, secure your computer, and protect your personal information.

Here are some other sources on protecting yourself and your family while using the Internet.

• GetNetWise (www.getnetwise.or) is a public service sponsored by Internet industry corporations and public interest organizations to help ensure that Internet users have safe, constructive, and educational or entertaining online experiences.
• Internet Keep Safe Coalition (www.iKeepSafe.org), the home of Faux Paw the Techno Cat, a coalition of 49 governors/first spouses, law enforcement, the American Medical Association, the American Academy of Pediatrics, and other associations dedicated to helping parents, educators, and caregivers by providing tools and guidelines to teach children the safe and healthy use of technology.
• National Cyber Security Alliance (www.staysafeonline.org) is a nonprofit organization that provides tools and resources to empower home users, small businesses, and schools, colleges, and universities to stay safe online.
• staysafe (www.staysafe.org) is an educational site intended to help consumers understand the positive aspects of the Internet as well as how to manage a variety of safety and security issues that exist online.
• Wired Safety (www.wiredsafety.org) is an Internet safety and help group comprised of unpaid volunteers around the world that provides education, assistance, and awareness on all aspects of cyber crime and abuse, privacy, security, and responsible technology use. Wired Safety is the parent group of Teenangels.org, FBI-trained teens and preteens who promote Internet safety.