What basic knowledge will help keep the average person safe on the Internet?

I am a somewhat above average Internet user. I use a PC, and I have good anti-virus software (Kaspersky Pure 3.0) that also monitors my Internet use and actually shuts down my browser if a malicious download is detected.

The browser I use is Google Chrome, and I use https connections whenever possible.

I maintain email accounts at Gmail and Yahoo. I access the Gmail account securely (https). I use two-part verification for this account. The Yahoo account was hacked twice in the distant past, so I deleted all contacts on the account. I keep it only as a backup to retrieve access to Gmail should that ever be necessary.

I am careful before opening any email messages on my Gmail account. If I do not recognize the sender and if the small amount of the message visible in the preview screen looks suspicious, I delete the message without opening it.

I am careful in the sites I visit. I do not visit random sites that have content I’m not familiar with.

If I sign up for something on a site, I check the content of the sign-up form very carefully to make certain I’m not downloading adware, extra and unnecessary tools for my browser, etc.

I use the Internet a lot, but I remain cautious before I click any link on any site.

My questions to the users here who know a lot about keeping a computer and ourselves secure on the Internet are many.

What basic information does a person need to know about using a computer on the Internet?

What are some basic things a person can do to remain secure?

Are some email account providers safer than others?

Is one browser safer than another?

What questions should we be asking ourselves about Internet and computer security that I’ve missed here?