Clark has a special warning you've got to hear if you use instant messenger programs to chat over the Internet. Hackers are now exploiting weaknesses in a variety of IM programs. The latest to be hit is Google Talk.

Criminals have figured out a way to load a virus onto your computer by getting you to click on a link that comes through your IM. People are so cavalier about clicking on hyperlinks when they're IMing. Apparently, they think it must be safe because it's from someone on their buddy list. But doing so allows hackers to hijack your e-mail account.

The only way to protect yourself is to be sure you know the sender before you click on any hyperlink in any IM.

In addition, Gmail is having a problem with freezing where the program just shuts down. That's why Clark always recommends having more than one e-mail account. For example, he has one with Gmail that's dedicated to e-commerce, and one for private correspondence from another free e-mail provider.