A browser lets you move around the Internet to all sorts of interesting websites, much the way a car helps you get around. However, many times passengers who you haven't invited along for the ride will attempt to "carjack" you.

What can you do about these unwanted passengers?

As a computer user there are several options open to you, the first of which is the browser that you choose to use. Internet Explorer is used by over 90% of Internet users, also known as the "market" even though Explorer is software that is free. These days the popularity of Explorer has been fading. This is because other browsers, such as Firefox, have the advantage of being able to run on Linux ane they also have better security measures.

Other operating systems and browsers, though not always better, are less sought after targets. You'll have to limit your "target area" by remaining hidden as much as possible, at least until vendors of software and legislators become more serious about Internet security.

Another factor to improve the security of browsers is education.

Internet Explorer, and many other Internet browsers, has many options to choose from that help you control which components are set off while you're surfing. Most Internet users have little knowledge about what these components are for or what happens when they set them one way or the other.

One question that should be asked is "Should you set 'Allow ActiveX controls and plug-ins' to Run? Or should you set the control to "Prompt"? You'll have to make this security decision for yourself. A deciding factor will be your own tolerance to respond to all those prompts or whether or not you're willing to take a chance with infection. You need to decide, after all, who you let into your car.

Hopefully one day you won't have to make this trade-off that is so undesirable. However, until then, you don't need to be an experienced computer user in order to do some experimenting and educate yourself about which settings to use. In fact, the first time you have to fix your computer after becoming infected you'll understand why you should have spent a couple of hours learning about settings.

The last factor when it comes to security for your browser is proper usage. Ask yourself whether or not you take "safe browsing" into consideration. Many websites will ask you to download those ActiveX controls (which are little programs), adware, dialers, and other content that is considered to be dynamic. Do you simply trust the source or do you want to find out will happen when you say yes to these prompts? Trusting is okay but you should keep your eyes open when you do any trusting.

Most people who use computers have no idea just how much a browser can open up their computer system to the rest of the Internet. When you're on the Internet you're "seen" just as much as you can see. When you access websites you also become "accessible". And it isn't just those cookies that you'll be downloading onto your computer system. When an executable program has been downloaded to your computer it will often have free roaming range of your entire computer system.

Let's talk about education for another minute. Try to spend time learning how you secure your computer system beyond the settings of your browser. This will make it more difficult for some programs to obtain privileges at the Administrator level. You'll find that the time you spend learning this will be rewarded.

When you surf to a website exactly what happens? Make sure that you only download from sources that you trust. And allow yourself to be suspicious of any strangers while at the same time avoiding picking up any hitchhikers.

It's time now for Mom to stir up some hot chocolate. After that we'll determine if you should be allowed to have the car keys.