If you allow family, friends or especially children to access the Internet through your computer you need to be aware of possible dangers.

Surfing the Internet from the comfort of home can give a false sense of security. Adults and children who are new to computers or unaware of the dangers can give away personal details such as where they live or go to school.

In contacting people over the Internet, it is easy to inadvertently reveal your email addresses, which increases the risk of receiving unwanted emails.

You may want to consider installing a Content Filter, also know as Parental Controls. This is a piece of software that can stop access to offensive or undesired internet content e.g. sexual activity, swearing, violence etc. can all be blocked. Most full Virus Protection will have some Parental Control options, but free Virus Protection will not.

For more details and general advice see the following websites:

• www.thinkuknow.co.uk (opens new window).
• www.getnetwise.org (opens new window).