What would we be without the Internet? This is the way most of us have to keep in touch with friends, finding information for homework and school work, selecting places to visit or access the latest news. But besides the millions of sites to visit and things to do, the Internet offers many ways to waste time and even getting into trouble. And, as in the non-cyber world, some of the people you will meet online might try to take advantage of you-both economically and physically.

You've probably heard of people who have had problems when entering a chatroom. Since users can chat easily and maintain anonymity, chats attract people who are not only interested in chatting. It is possible that these people ask chatters personal information about themselves, their families or where they live, information that they should not provide.

Generally, people who request personal information such as address, telephone number or email address use that information to fill ad mailboxes and answering phones. But in some cases computer predators can use that information to initiate a relationship or harass a person or family.

Of course, the Internet contains millions of sites and pages that one can and should visit. Like an infinite library, the network can transport you to the ends of the earth with all the information it contains.

You can use the Internet to get information for your homework, get to know what movie in theaters that is near your house (and if it pleases the spectators), find out about a college that interests you or find a job or volunteer activity to sign up. Almost anything you can think of will have a website (or thousands) will talk about it. And the Internet not only contains sites or pages that you visit, but also blogs, videos and games that are downloadable so you can connect with other players.

The key is to protect you when you're offline.

Intelligent Navigation

What is the first rule of smart navigation? Keep maximum anonymity. This means maintaining the privacy of all personal information. Examples of personal information that you should never provide Internet:

     * Your full name
     * Your address
     * Your phone number
     * Your Social Security number
     * Password
     * Names of Your Family
     * Credit card numbers

Most people and trustworthy companies will never ask for this information online. So, if someone asks for it, take it as a warning signs that can hide ulterior motives.

Think carefully before you create an email address or a nickname or handle. Internet experts recommend using a combination of letters and numbers on both that does not indicate whether the user is male or female.

In the chats using a nickname that does not match your alias or identifier. So, if you ever find yourself in a conversation that makes you uncomfortable, you can leave it without having to worry that someone might know your ID and track you through email. Some people who contact their friends online set private chats in which one can enter them and the people they specifically invite.

Experts recommend limiting the virtual world online friendships. Personally know friends who have made the Internet means more risks than other types of friendships because it's easy to pretend to be someone who is not is when you do not see or talk face to face with that person.

Online Annoyances

Although email is relatively private, hackers can access it, or add you to their lists to send spam. Junk mail as well as announcements and messages of intimidation, insults or offensive messages, it's annoying. But the filters that block spam may prevent such messages that can overwhelm your inbox. Many servers allow you to block or filter inappropriate messages.

If you do not know the sender of a document, delete it without opening it to prevent you from infecting your computer with a virus. Antivirus tools should be a requirement on all computers. You can also purchase programs that help computers to get rid of unwanted spyware programs that report what you are doing on the web. Some servers offer programs to protect their users from these and other online annoyances like pop-up windows.

If you invest in protection programs for your computer, you will be updated periodically to make sure that they continue to perform well as they evolve new technologies.

With all the problems that you may find yourself surfing the Internet, is it worth it? For most people, the answer is an emphatic yes. You only need to know all the potential hazards, use common sense, caution and take control.