Your browser is your window to the Web.  But just like that window in your home that allows the light in, it also represents a potential security risk.  You could board up all your windows leaving you safe, but in the dark.  Or you could implement some basic browser security.

One way for that nasty cyber-stuff like viruses and malware to infect your PC is through your browser.  So your choice of browser is important to your Internet safety.

Wait!  You mean you have a choice when it comes to your web browser?  Yes you do.

If you are on Windows you probably use Microsoft’s Internet Explorer (IE).  For the Mac, you are most likely on Safari.  There are others, most notable Firefox.  Firefox is an open source browser that has grown in popularity because of its reputation for safety.  And while everyone has opinion when it comes to browser safety, Firefox is generally considered the safest.  And it’s fast, too.

You can download and install the Firefox the following link:
http://www.mozilla.com/
It is easy to install and available for PC, Mac, and Linux.

One more thing, Firefox has a really cool logo.

A relative newcomer to the browser family is Google’s Chrome.   This darling have become a quick favorite.  Like Firefox, it is an open source project which means there is a lot of support.  And it pays attention to safety on the same level as Firefox.

Google Chrome Standout Features:

-  Flexible Tabs
-  Incognito Mode for Private Browsing
-  Integrated Download Manager
-  Online Task Manager

Click here to download Google Chrome:
http://www.google.com/chrome

For a browser that sings a different tune try Opera.  This is favorite of the tech community because its many configuration options.  Of course, it pays close attention to safety.  And because of it portability it is a popular mobile browser.  There is a good chance you are using a version of Opera on your mobile device.

Another cool Opera feature is that you can use voice commands to navigate the web and even have Opera read the text to you.   Sure other browsers can do this with add-ins, but it is built into Opera.

You can get the Opera browser here:
http://www.opera.com/

Of course there’s Microsoft Internet Explorer (IE).  I have nothing against IE and it is still the most used browser in the world.  But it has a checkered past because of its vulnerability to cyber nasties like viruses and spyware.  However, IE 8 is big step in the right direction with a refortified approach to security.

Plus, IE 8 features extensive parental controls that can be customized to fit each individual in a family.  So if you have small children IE 8 is a good choice. If you use A Windows based PC then IE 8 is a decent choice.  Here’s the Microsoft website for IE:
http://www.microsoft.com/Windows/internet-explorer/

If you are on a Mac or like the Mac look-and-feel then Safari is the browser for you.  But it is not just for Apple; the top-notch browser is now available for PCs as well.  Safari focuses on being lightweight and rather than customizable. It has a sleek interface that isn’t bulky with a frame is only one pixel wide.

Some nice features include the development of Top Sites, spell checking for all fields, re-sizable text boxes, and snap-back.  However, it lacks some features like parental controls, anti-phishing, and a smart toolbar.

Here is the download site for Safari:
http://www.apple.com/safari/download/

I admit that I am a fan of Firefox mostly because of the its David and Goliath.  Firefox came on the browser scene when IE was the only game in town.  IE was buggy and had enough security holes to make it the Swiss cheese of browsers.  Even though IE  had a practical monopoly on the browser market, Firefox made a stand against the IE behemoth and reminded us that web browsing can be safe and fast.  We (the day-to-day web surfers) were real winner because Firefox lite the fires of competition heating up a browser war that resulting in better products and a safer Internet.

You can have multiple browsers installed on your system.  So look around and see what is best for you.  And still practice safe browsing.

Did you know that going green with your PC can save you some green? By powering down your PC or using power management correctly you can save up to $60 a year per machine. For the Planeteer that equals a half a ton of CO2 a year that will not be adding to global climate change. Go planet…and wallet!

Turn off your PC and Monitor
To maximize energy savings turn off your PC and monitor every night.
If you want to make Captian Planet really fly high, unplug your PC and monitor when not in use. An easy way to do this is to use a power strip (with surge protection) and turn it off after powering down your PC gear.

MYTH – Turning your PC on and off wears it out.
Today’s PCs are can handle an average of 40,000 power cycles. That’s a power-up and power-down once a day for almost 55 years. Perhaps at the dawn of the PC era (the mid-1980s) there may have been some truth to this. So if your PC looks like this

Complete with dual 5¼ floppy drives and green text-only monitor, then you may want to leave it on…or put it in a museum.

MYTH – It takes more power to turn on your PC.
The small electrical surge used when a PC turns on is far less than the drain of a PC that keeps marching 24 hours a day. I won’t overload your circuits with specs on amps used on power-up vs. over time, but if you think about it, it makes sense to give your PC a rest.

Give It a Rest
Even those with the best green intention may not be able to power-down the PC every night. The next best thing is the proper use of power management. Here are the recommended power management settings:

• Monitor/display sleep: Turn off after 15 minutes or less
• Turn off hard drives/hard disk sleep: 15 minutes or less
• System standby/sleep: After 30 minutes or less

Instructions for enabling power management vary by operating system.
Click the below links for Power Management Instructions:
Windows 2000/XP
Windows Vista
Mac OS X

Hibernation
Also, you should enable hibernate. The hibernate mode only use about 5 watts of energy for your monitor and 2.3 watts for your PC. This is virtually the same as a powered down PC. To do this go to Control Panel, click on “power options,” and set your PC to “hibernate” after a specified time (most recommend 30-60 minutes).

Here are some other green tips that will help save you money while saving the planet.
Screen Savers Don’t Save
Those cool 3D screen savers do not save energy. It is expense wallpaper. If you like fish then get an aquarium and put it by your PC.  Then turn off your screen saver and use the recommended power management settings.

Flat Screen Use Less Power
Not only do flat screens save power, but they save your eyes. Flat screen users notice less eye fatigue. Flat screens are easier to move and take less space. And the price barriers have dropped making these cool looking devices fit into even the tightest of IT budgets.

Here is a good flat screen deal:
Acer X223W 22″ LCD Monitor 2500:1 DVI/VGA Refurbished
$129.99

Don’t forget to give you old CRT a proper burial by appropriately disposing of it. Click here for more info on how to dispose your monitor and other PC equipment.
How to Dispose of Computer Equipment

Laptops Use Less Power
If you are looking for an excuse to go mobile with a new laptop, play the green card. And low laptop prices make this almost a financial wash for the accounting department.

Here is a great deal on an off-lease laptop if you are looking for a bargin.
HP Compaq Notebook Intel Core2Duo 1.66GHz 1GB DDR2 60GB HDD 14.1″ XP Pro (Off-Lease)
$359.99

Clean and Green
When you go green with your PC, you also go clean. An orderly shutdown of a PC allows it to run maintenance clean-up routines that keep it humming along. Think of it as giving your PC clean underwear. Dirty underwear is just gross!

There are few win-wins in this world and give and take world. But going green is one of those no-brainers that appeals to the hippie and yuppie in us all.
For more on going green check out the Energy Star website at http://www.energystar.gov/.