Are you everyone's favorite computer geek?

And by that I mean, do you get calls, e-mail messages, and IMs from everyone you know about how to fix their computer?

Do you often get introduced at parties as "my personal tech support" instead of "my friend and neighbor?"

Do your holiday meals get cold before you have time to eat them because you're so busy explaining to your family why they need a firewall?

If you fit any of those descriptions, then take a look at Steve Riley's latest article on how to support your family, friends, and neighbors. Steve is Microsoft's Senior Security Strategist for Trustworthy Computing.

Read Viewpoint: Supporting your family, friends, and neighbors

If your family listens to Radio Disney Seattle you might have already heard new characters sharing tips on how to stay safer online. Microsoft and Disney recently launched a series of on-air and online safety programs aimed at Seattle's youth.

Here's an example of some of the tips you'll hear:

·          Never give out personal information (like addresses and phone numbers) to anyone online.

·          Only use e-mail and IM with people you know in the real world, never with strangers.

·          Tell your parents about your online adventures and new Web sites you check out.

For more information on these programs, see Microsoft partners with Disney to help protect kids online. 

This year experts predict that scammers will try to take advantage of people who file their taxes online. If you use common sense when it comes to offers that sound too good to be true, you can help avoid many different types of fraud.

Internet Explorer 7 can also help protect your personal information when you file your taxes online.

See Keep your identity safer this tax season.

How Internet Explorer helps you check the validity of a Web site

·          Phishing Filter. Internet Explorer 7 includes Phishing Filter, which warns you if the site you're visiting might be fake.

·          Extended Validation Certificates. Internet Explorer 7 includes support for Extended Validation (EV) Certificates. This means that your address bar will turn green if the site that you're visiting uses this technology.

Want to stay current on new security features in Windows Vista?

Bookmark the Windows Vista Security Blog. You'll get updates on the latest developments in Windows Vista security, plus a behind-the-scenes look at the development process from the people working on the product.

And like with any good blog, you can interact with the blog writers and readers in the comment section.