If you run Windows, then Internet Explorer is likely to be the browser that you use. Whilst Microsoft has improved the security of its browser, the fact that it is so closely integrated with the Windows operating system, means that your system is more vulnerable to attack by viruses and malware/spyware. We recommend Mozilla-Firefox which is rapidly becoming the browser of choice and is regarded by many as more secure. Whichever browser you use, the very least you should do is:

• make sure you have good anti-virus software installed and kept up to date
• install decent anti-spyware software, scan regularly and keep it up to date
• make sure you have a good firewall installed
• optimise your cookie settings to block unwanted cookies
• block pop-ups

* Remember to configure anti-virus software before setting up your email or web-browser!

Mozilla-Firefox

Firefox is a fully standards compliant web-browser from Mozilla. Since its official release late in 2004, its use has grown rapidly. It should certainly be regarded as your default browser. The reason you may need to keep another browser handy is that there has been some conflict with sites that are specifically written for Internet Explorer for example, that don't render well in Firefox. You can download the latest version from http://www.mozilla.org

• A good introduction is available at: http://www.nidelven-it.no/articles/introduction_to_firefox

Opera

• A good introduction is available at: http://www.microsoft.com/windows/ie/using/howto/security/settings.mspx

Safari

Safari is the browser bundled with Mac OSX and is based on KDE's open source Konqueror browser. We recommend Firefox as your default browser but you may find Safari useful too.

• The Tiger (OSX) installation and setup guide is downloadable from: http://manuals.info.apple.com/en/Tiger_Install_Setup_Guide.pdf

Debian

There are a number of web browsers in Debian including: Firefox, Konqueror, Epiphany, Galeon, Dillo and Lynx, a text based browser - very handy on servers with no Graphical User Interface (GUI) installed. The beauty of Debian is the ease with which you can add and remove packages whilst exploring what's available. But as a first, if you haven't got Firefox installed, do:

$ sudo aptitude install mozilla-firefox

• To see what packages are available, go to: http://www.debian.org/distrib/packages#view