Enjoy peace of mind and stay safe when surfing the Internet. With the right tools and some helpful tips, it's easy to protect yourself, your family's privacy, and your Toshiba laptop.

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Look who's talking: ensure your family enjoys chatting safely

Instant messaging (IM) is the simplest way to communicate online. However, sophisticated attacks are launched through IM as frequently as they are through email. What's more, kids - especially teens - who love visiting chat rooms to connect with other kids around the world, risk the darker side of chat rooms. They can be frequented by bullies, as well as fraudsters (or worse) who pressure kids into innocently revealing private information.

1. Choose your screen name carefully, only share it with people you trust, and ask your friends not to share your screen name with others
   
   Only communicate with people on your contact or buddy list. To prevent "spim" (IM spam), use settings to block messages from people you don't know. Don't display your screen name or email address in public places such as Internet directories or personal profiles.

2. Never provide private information like account numbers or passwords in an IM conversation or chat
   
   Network sniffers can intercept unencrypted IM traffic. Anti-virus software and a firewall will protect you from Trojans and viruses but cannot protect your information once it leaves your PC.

3. Spend time talking to your children about the dangers involved in online chat
   
   Make sure your child understands that they are never to reveal personal information such as their real name, gender, age, school, phone number, or where they live. Ensure they never arrange a face-to-face meeting without your knowledge.

4. Install up-to-date security software on your Toshiba laptop
   
   McAfee® Internet Security provides trusted protection from viruses, hackers and spyware. Its cutting-edge features include X-Ray for Windows®, which detects and kills rootkits and other malicious applications that hide from anti-virus programs. Its integrated anti-virus, anti-spyware, firewall, anti-spam, anti-phishing, and backup technologies work together to combat today's sophisticated, multi-pronged attacks.

5. Monitor and limit your children's use of instant messaging, chat, and social networks
   
   Put the computer in a high traffic family area and limit night-time use. Parental controls in the McAfee® security software help parents control the information that their children receive and send.