You can find a good set of FAQs on security at www.faqs.org/faqs/computer-security/ssl-talk-faq/. (This FAQ is no longer available at www.consensus.com/security/ssl-talk-sec02.html.) The well-known Web site for AntiOnline is loaded with tips and solid advice on security. Check it out at www.antionline.com. Many of the digital certificates you'll see on the Web have been registered with VeriSign. You can read about the certification process at www.verisign.com. Cylink, a network security firm, provides an excellent summary of digital certificates. Link to www.cylink.com/homeframe.htm, click "Resource Library," then scroll down to "Digital Signatures and Certificates." To find out whether your browser maintains the security of information about your Internet connection and your PC, connect to georgegg.tripod.com/. (BrowserCheck at www.helie.com/BrowserCheck is no longer available.) Want to find out more about cookies? Check out Marc Slayton's Geek Talk column at www.hotwired.com/
webmonkey/webmonkey/geektalk/96/45/index3a.html, which explains how cookies work and how you can read the cookie files on your computer.

Personal firewall software provides some protection against Web-borne vandalism. McAfee's firewall software named Internet Guard Dog is designed to protect your computer from Internet intruders, such as viruses, cookies, and Trojan Horses, that can damage data on your hard disk or steal private files. Read all about Internet Guard Dog at www.mcafee.com/ (click "Traditional Software," then click "Products," then click "Internet Guard Dog"). eSafe Protect creates a secure sandbox for Internet files. At the eSafe Web site (www.esafe.com), you can link to a quick tour of the eSafe Protect software, then download it. You can view simulations of vandal software that might be transmitted over the Internet and take a "test" to find out how your computer security rates. A third product, SurfinShield, is published by Finjan Software. You can download a product demo at www.finjan.com, experience an attack, and link to some excellent articles about the Internet and security-related issues.