Firefox has a button under "tools" that says "start private browsing". It blocks cookies, doesn't keep history, and automatically deletes temp files as soon as they aren't needed.
Most big-name browsers out there now are pretty safe as far as web-based attacks go, and the chances of something getting to your comp are pretty slim, even with no anti-virus software. AVG is one of best programs out there for virus detection, and best of all it's free. There's a paid version that has lots of features to make it 110% idiot-proof that I would just turn off anyway.
If something pops up saying you need a plugin, or some software to view the movies, cancel it and move on. Silverlight is the only exception, which is a legitimate Microsoft program commonly used with movies.
The internet is pretty safe nowadays. Unfortunately, most people who end up with malware, or worse online ID theft had it coming.
- Don't use shitty, cheap looking websites-typically a front for a scam business, luring people in with seemingly bargain prices for in-demand, name brand items.
- Spelling/grammar errors- steer clear.
-If a big-name website looks a little strange, or isn't quite laid out as you remember, it probably isn't that big-name website(eBay is common, I've gotten redirects to a faux-Ebay and faux-Paypal from items before). Check the address bar. If numbers appeared in front of www, or the address changed altogether, leave right away. Almost certainly a phishing site.
-NEVER EVER enter your SS number online, for anything(other than maybe online banking). Nobody requires it. If a store says they do, they're lying.
-Big name websites almost universally have a policy to never ask for passwords/login info. One of my friends fell for an email from somebody posing as an administrator for his online banking site, with the line that some computer crashed or something and login data had been lost, and that he needed to provide it so his account would "continue to function reliably". His meager bank account was drained within the hour(got it back thou)
