Of the thousands of Canadians who unwrapped a sleek new laptop or deluxe desktop during the holidays, the vast majority will take their new computer online.

In fact, according to the Broadcasting Policy Monitoring Report released mid-2007 by the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC), 70 percent of households in Canada subscribed to the Internet in 2006, a six percent rise over the previous year, making Canada one of the best-connected countries.

However, in order to explore the Internet safely you should follow a few simple precautions to protect both you and your new PC.

1. Install anti-virus software and update it often. From Trojan Horses and hackers to spyware, worms and everything in between, the Internet can seem like a minefield of viruses and other security threats. The good news is reputable Internet Service Providers (ISPs) are keeping up with the times and introducing newer and more effective security software. For example, Sympatico Total Internet service from Bell Canada comes with anti-virus, firewall, anti-spyware and fraud protection services, as well as automatic real-time updates to keep your PC secure.

2. Protect your wireless network. According to retailers, more and more people have multiple computers at home and are setting up wireless networks to connect them all, making wireless routers and adapters for notebook computers top sellers. However, an unprotected Wi-Fi network is like a house with the front door left wide open: an invitation for any computer whiz, even your neighbour, to log on to your system and, in the worst-case scenario, access your personal files.

 The most important step in protecting your wireless network involves a wireless encryption key and is often built in to modern wireless hardware and operating systems. Talk to your router manufacturer to learn the most effective option for your computer.

3. Keep your personal information private. With more and more people doing their banking and shopping online, many are becoming vulnerable to identity theft. How can you protect yourself?

 • Select a password that cannot be easily guessed. Avoid using complete words or personal information such as your birth date or home phone number. Use a mix of numbers and letters in capitals and lower case and change it often. Never under any circumstances share your password, or any other personal information with anyone -- especially via email.

 • Learn to recognize unsafe Web sites. Double click on the padlock symbol at the bottom right of your browser to view the certification information for the secure server and to ensure the site you are on is safe. Trust your instincts. If you are not confident that their site is secure, pick up the phone to call the company directly and inquire.

4. Talk to your kids about responsible Internet use. Create an online agreement or contract for computer use with your kids' input, and post it beside the PC. Keep the computer the children use in a common area such as the family room so you can monitor them while they are online.