Here are the best ways to stay safe online:
1- Use a VM whenever possible, this can avoid malicious sites. You can find free ones on youtube which are completely safe.
2- Download using a VM. If you cannot or would rather not use a VM when surfing, you can always install Sandboxie and run downloads through it in a safe environment (https://www.sandboxie.com/)
3- VPNs. VPNs are always great to use to protect your own network from ddos attacks and encrypt your traffic. I'd highly advise Octovpn: https://partner.octovpn.com/565
Feel free to suggest and add other ways or ask any questions (Usually responds every 1-3 days)