Being on the internet can be magical. Not only does anyone who uses it have a wealth and world of knowledge at their fingertips, but they can talk to anyone almost anywhere in the world, listen to music on demand, or can even create their own website for their little corner of the world wide web.

However, as with all wonderful things, there is usually a dark side, and the internet can have those in spades. This blog is going to take a look at some internet tips for a smooth experience that you can enjoy every time.

1. Invest in Antivirus Software

Antivirus software is an absolute must for any device that goes online. Unfortunately, as technology becomes more and more sophisticated, so do the malware and viruses that are created for nefarious purposes, and you don’t want to be caught out by them.

Get yourself antivirus software that you can trust, and shop around for the best reviews and features for money. If you are using your computer for work or are storing private data, then you want to make it as difficult as possible for hackers or malware to get hold of this information or withhold it from you, as this could be a serious breach.

2. Get Yourself an Ad Blocker

Ads have a mind of their own now. They have taken over almost everything but the sky (at the moment), and many people are fed up with having to listen to another un-skippable video on cat litter or the latest Nike sneaker release, all because they needed to Google something a week ago.

Reclaim some inner peace by finding yourself an ad blocker. There are free ones available, just make sure they are reputable. You might find it can limit your user experience, as some sites have gotten savvy to these extensions, but thankfully you can grant permission as and when you need to. It’s not a fail-safe, but it’s a start to claiming back some time.

3. Learn Some Hacks

Many things with the internet and computers can seem complicated if you don’t have a background in them, but thankfully, if you know how to research, you can pretty much find out any information for yourself. You can find out tips such as how to change your email address over (read more here) and how to set up a simple website, add widgets, or upload a YouTube video.

Before you panic and call a professional, take a look to see if there is a simple solution to the problem you have yourself.

4. Upgrade Your Internet

While you might not be on dial-up anymore, you could still be stuck with a broadband service that isn’t working for you. If Netflix starts buffering in the middle of a tense scene in a movie, or your connection cuts out during a long download, you would be forgiven for feeling rage that should belong to something a little more serious. Get yourself (and your internet) up to speed with some fibre internet.