I am by no means an expert but I highly recommend everyone who trolls the internet in taking at least some classes at the local community collage or library. You'll learn how to cover your butt and protect yourself. classes are usually cheap if not free.

Both in the Hobby and for ypur computer.

I have had my virus and spyware detection programs identify many sites with these malware programs imbedded. I can surf freely and safely because the good detection programs quarantine the malware and let me delete them. On rare occasion, they quarantined or blocked sites that I knew to be safe. Then they gave me the option of opening or not.

Be careful. Many "free" sites make their money by attaching intrusive programs for others. Without protection, you never know what you might be downloading.