Some basic rules which can make your life less stressful:

1. Never click hypertext links in HTML formatted e-mail to access your account.
2. Do not fill out forms in e-mail messages.
3. Do not click links in unsolicited email messages.
4. Confirm that you are on the correct website before entering your password and login into your account:
   . Verify the address/location/URL starts with: https://www.correct-site.com
   . Verify the site is secure (look at the SSL Lock icon at the bottom of your browser window)
   . Verify that the site certificate is issued to www.correct-site.com (exact spelling is critical)
5. Never open/view/run/install an attachment in e-mail if you do not know what exactly you are doing.
6. Use a hardware and/or software firewall. The free version of ZoneAlarm does a very nice job.
7. Do not run untrusted applications.
8. Upgrade to a better web browser. Mozilla's Firefox is available for almost every operating system and has many security and privacy advantages. The features are many, but the cost is low - in fact free.
9. Use an Anti-Virus program.
10. Become a smarter computer user with regard to security issues. Here are a few places to start:
    - CERT Home Network Security
    - Microsoft Security Basics for Home Users
    - NSA Security Recommendation Guides
    - Gibson Research. Info on Spyware, Shields-UP/port scan
    - Anti-Phishing Working Group
    - Security Focus community homepage
    - Password Recommendations at CERN