Since the zone concept is a little confusing, here's a rundown of how it works.

Windows provides four zones of security for Internet connections.

• Internet Zone -- All sites on the Internet. allowed.
• Restricted Sites -- Lets you ban certain sites but show all others.
• Trusted Sites -- Only lets you access sites you deem to be trustworthy.
• Local Intranet -- Only allows you to access sites on the local Intranet.

These zones apply to all Microsoft products that access the Internet, but you can select a different zone for each program.

So you can customize the security level of any zone, but it only affects the programs using that zone. Conversely, if you change a zone's settings it changes the settings for any program operating within that zone.

If you're really worried about security, you may want to start encrypting your email.

Still confused? Email me at tomm@techtv.com.

Got a question for the Help Zone? Email helpzone@techtv.com.