How do I avoid porn on the Web?

Question: How do I avoid porn on the Web?

Here's the scenario: you're searching for something innocent on the Web, and along comes something definitely NOT so innocent. How do you avoid porn when searching on the Web?

Answer: Here are a few ways to get around getting surprised by pornography on the Web.

Use a filter.

There are many Internet filters that you can buy or download that will prohibit you from opening any questionable sites.

Take advantage of search engines' built-in filters.

Many search engines give you the option of choosing a "safer" search when using their services. For example, Google offers safe search filtering that you can toggle on or off at the Advanced Search page. This goes for all image searches too.

Don't guess the address of a Web site.

This is probably the number one way that people get into trouble. If you are not absolutely sure what the URL of the site you're looking for, input the term instead into your favorite search engine.

Never click on sites that seem questionable.

When in doubt, don't click. If the site description, title, or URL seems in any way "off" to you, find another site that is more reputable (for help with finding good research sites, read The Best Reference Sites on the Web).

Choose your searches carefully.

If you're searching for something that is perfectly innocent, but could be construed as inappropriate, think of different ways to couch your search. Read Top Ten Search Tricks to learn how to refine your searches more efficiently.