By Phillip Robinson - Knight Ridder/Tribune News Service

Do you have to spend $80 to $100 on security software with that new computer?

No. Pick a Macintosh or Linux computer, and you're pretty well protected from Internet threats such as viruses and spyware.

Even if you use Windows, simply refusing to open e-mail attachments and Web-browsing only with Firefox or Opera instead of Internet Explorer will keep you reasonably safe.

It's also a good idea never to download and install "free" games, toolbars or other software goodies unless you know they're safe.

So what if you want to stick with Windows with Internet Explorer? You don't have to buy security software; some of the best is free.

The Seattle Times