One of the situations most dreaded these days is seeing two or three hundred unread emails in our inbox folder when we start up our mail program. One thing is certain - priority time has to be set aside to handle the situation each day, or at least, after a session logged on to the Net.

Using the filter rules feature of your email client is the first step. If you've joined a mail discussion list, create a folder and make a filter rule so all these posts go to that folder. Later versions of mail clients will also help you build filter rules to send any posts that could be junk mail to an appropriate folder.

For your mail list posts, each day skim through the subject headings ("threads") and delete any that don't catch your interest. If you want to store the information you glean from a mail list, simply use a NotePad text file or a Word document to which you copy and paste snippets. Over time, you'll find you can use a number of main headings and can search the document in NotePad or Word. This job might be done at a set time each week, or more often if the mail list is very active.

While email is a very convenient means of keeping in touch and gathering a huge amount of information, managing it can be less burdersome once you form the daily habit of giving it priority time. Fifteen minutes or so each day is far better than worrying about those 263 unread posts. Oops, that reminds me...

Another onerous computer job is backing up important data files. That task is now somewhat easier with the availability of sites that offer free storage of files on their servers.

Which site you use depends entirely on your preferences except if you're looking for more security for critical data files you'll have to pay.

Be aware that for sites such as Xoom's Media Sharehouse, if you store files such as MP3s you'll need to give copyright details. In the US, any copyright liability resides with the individual, not the ISP.

Apart from the convenience of being able to upload those important files while you're online, some sites make it possible for you to share files with others. That makes it possible to share the types of files that otherwise would be far too large to post as attachments via email.

Here are ten simple steps for a safer online shopping experience:

1. Do some homework by comparing prices and checking on the cost of any delivery charges (the latter may be called "shipping charges" in other countries). If you intend to order from overseas, you'll have to convert the overseas prices to Australian dollars.
2. Compare online prices but know what you want to purchase and what your needs are.
3. Check that the business firm you're buying from is legitimate. Is there a mailing address (not a PO Box)? A phone number? Visit Scambusters to check if the company is reported there for any alleged fraud or unscrupulous activity.
4. Be sensible. Never give out your bank account details or other highly personal information. Watch out for "breakthrough" products - see if you can find reviews or trade references for such goods or services.
5. Make sure the site spells out clearly in writing delivery charges, its policy on returns, and where and how returns are to be made if you're not satisfied or the goods are faulty. What guarentee or warranty covers the good or service?
6. Check the site for delivery time. A reputable e-tailer will enable you to print out a page at the site that will give you all delivery dates and method. Often if it's an overseas order from a well-known business, you will be issued a delivery id number and be able to track your goods via the carrier's website.
7. Only trust secure sites. If you're using Internet Explorer, a small padlock will appear to the bottom right of the browser window when you bring up the site's page for ordering and you have to enter details such as your credit card number.
8. The site should have a privacy policy - if not, shop elsewhere. Because you're entering personal information, you want to be safeguarded that your information is not passed on to others.
9. Only use your credit card for payment. Never pay by cheque. Because your credit card number is encrypted, take advantage of 128-bit encryption that's now available to Internet Explorer users in Australia (previously only available in the US and Canada).
10. Keep paper records of your purchases - print out the web site's order form/invoice, any associated guarentees regarding delivery and the courier company's contact details.

When online, using common sense will safeguard you from giving away highly personal information that in reality you wouldn't give to a stranger in the street. If you're shopping online, check that the page where you're going to enter credit card details and address is secure. If you're using Internet Explorer, it may have already told you with a message box and there'll be a padlock icon towards the bottom right of the browser window if the site is using industry approved security protocols.

Take advantage of the 128-bit high encryption pack now available for Internet Explorer from the Windows download site to add a further layer of security when you use your credit card or carry out any financial or confidential transactions online.

With much of the content on the Internet, the problem of distinguishing sites which speak with authority from those which are only offering an opinion is an ever present one. In health and medical matters it's vitally important to know which sites can be trusted.

In this week's list of sites, begin at HealthInsite. This site has been set up with backing from the Federal Government and it's aim is to assist in providing links to sites containing credible advice. An editorial board asseses any material before it can be posted on the site.

If you keep delving on the Net you're sure to come across sites that post papers from medical researchers. Actually the Internet was orignally designed about 30 years ago so researchers could more conveniently exchange ideas. However if you read some of these papers, ensure you understand they are reports of research projects and any conclusions must be seen in that light. If you're not sure how research is carried out and reported, spend some time finding out.

This week there are links for you to download a couple of free games, Operation Spacehog and Speed Delight. The Australian Schools Web Challenge 2000 has the theme of time travel and entries close July 10.

Send family and friends outside the reading area the address of the Jazz at Whroo site and keep yourself up to date at the official Olympics site. Share your music titles online at MyPlay after you've put together your own playlist for all to enjoy.