Art and Technology

Posted by: admin  |  Category: General, Internet Tools

Advances in technology over the years have brought about a phenomenon caused by the fusion of computers and art. The commercial and entertainment industries have been transformed and overtaken by the vast use and demand for computer art. From web design and layout to special effects and animation, the use of computers for art and the skills needed to produce such things are in high demand. Currently one of the most popular uses of computer art is through web design for the Internet. Whether it is for personal use, non-profit organizations, government programs, or commercial use, Web pages are popping up everywhere. So to best understand this development in computer art, especially in Web design, it is important to know exactly what art is, the benefits of Web design, and the history of how art and the internet have come together. With the progressions in technology and art and the high demands thereof it can be expected to only increase in popularity.

Now, if you ask anyone what art is you are sure to get a different answer every time. Art is different things to all people. Some traditionalist scoff at the use of technology for art, while others insist it is the only way, and then there are those who believe everything in itself is a work of art. The saying that “beauty is in the eye of the beholder” can be applied to art as well. For the sake of a definition though, Webster’s Dictionary defines art as “the conscious use of skill and creative imagination especially in the production of aesthetic objects.” With an idea as to what might be considered art, look at it through the eyes of technology.

Computer art can pretty much be defined the same as you would define any form of art. The only difference is the method in which it is produced, and it this case the medium obviously being the computer. Thousands of computer software programs exist to help create graphic images, animation, layout, web pages, and 3D images, such as: Photoshop, Fireworks, Lightwave, Director, Freehand, Quark Express, Inspire 3D and Illustrator. Currently two of the most popular software for creating Web pages are Flash and Dreamweaver, which help save time and reduce the need of having an extended knowledge of HTML.

Programming languages such as HTML (hypertext markup language) are what make up a Web page. Traditionally Web pages were always made by written code. However, today that is not the case. Software programs enable the user to create Web pages with the click of a button, with very little knowledge of programming, if any. For the more advanced programmers the same is true, but these software programs also allow them to work side by side with the HTML code to customize or add to the given source. With all this talk of programming and code, it’s only common sense to question where the artistic side comes in to play.

With Web pages there are two sides to the creative and artistic elements of a Web page. The first comes with having an in depth knowledge of different programming languages such as JavaScript. Programming like this helps to make a Website more interesting. If used properly with the right amount of creativity, these skills can enhance a Web page and its navigation ability. Designing the layout of a Web page is the second and most important use of artist and creative talent when it comes to making a Web page. The appearance has to be something that is going to attract and hold the viewer’s attention. A Web page is used to convey a message or information of some extent, and if a Web page is not appealing visually, chances are the viewer will not take the time to explore the site or read the information. So it is crucial that the Website be strong both artistically and creatively, otherwise the Website will be in vain.

As mentioned before, Web pages are used by and for everyone with a universal purpose, to provide information. The Internet has made access to information a fast and quick process, but what exactly makes a good Web page? First and foremost it is important to focus on the graphic design basics such as color, layout, typography and HTML technology. Second, it is important to study the insights of leading graphic designers working outside the context of the Web to give you a framework for what constitutes “good design” in general. Successful Websites come from a dedication to design shaped around content. If the layout and design does not aid the information being presented it is pointless. So there are many things to be careful about when making a Web page, because if it is not artistically made, viewers may not want to read it; if the layout does not represent the content, it takes away from the message. For this reason, Web designers who truly know what they are doing are much desired by businesses and corporations to design their Websites.

Salaries for Web designers can vary greatly, depending on your experience, your skills, and what exactly you would be doing. Plus, there are several titles and position dealing with the Web and Web design such as Site Builder, Designer, Executive Assistant, Site Manager, Senior Technical Consultant, Project Manager, Creative Director, Strategist, VP, and CEO. Designers on the average make around $45,500 while when you work your way to the top of the ladder; the VP and CEO make around $135,800 to $158,000. So there is definitely a lot of money to be made in the field of web design, but how did the Internet get to where it is today?

The history of the Internet has been relatively brief. In the1960′s an experiment was conducted by the U.S. Department of Defense that can be pin pointed as a place of origin for the Internet. The purpose of this experiment by the Department of Defense was to safeguard information in the event of a disaster or nuclear war through the networking of computers. It was necessary to have a way of protecting the network so that the system could still operate if part of the network were damaged. The answer that the Department of Defense came up with was the network known as ARPANET. This network made it possible for U.S. scientific and academic researchers to be linked together. The use of ARAPANET was the forerunner for today’s Internet.

The National Science Foundation, called NSFNET, created a series of networks for education, communication, and research in 1985. It created a national backbone service provided free to any U.S. research and educational institution based on ARPANET protocols. During this time, regional networks were being created to link individual institutions with the national backbone service. As more and more people learned about NSFNET it began to grow very rapidly. Soon, new software applications started popping up to help make access easier for everyone. Other corporations started to form their own networks to link up with NSFNET, such as Sprint and MCI. Since then, commercial firms and other regional network providers have taken over the operation of the major Internet arteries. And that brings us up to where we are today with the rapid use and development of the Internet.

Surfing the Web was not an easy task with the earlier platforms and browsers. The fact that the layout and design was so simplistic, mainly a gray background with black text did not make the Internet very user friendly. Today though, with bright and colorful WebPages, easy accessibility and navigation makes it possible for anyone to use the Internet. And a lot of the credit should go to the artist and programmers who have made Websites what they are today.

The rapid growth and history of the Internet is sure to only continue and progress with time. Possible things to expect are quicker connections, a wider availability and affordability in other countries, the ability to do things on the internet that might seem unconceivable at this point, for example no one would have ever thought you could buy groceries over the Internet, but now it is possible. However, things such as these do not lie in the hands of the web designer, rather it is the programmers and people behind the scene.

Art is a part of everyday life; it surrounds us everywhere we go. The combining of art with everyday objects and things heightens not only our appreciation, but our demand for them as well. This has been made obvious through the use of art and computers together, specifically on the Internet with Web pages. When surfing the Web from now on, pay attention to how many decisions are made based on appearances and special effects, then try to imagine the Web without them. The use of the Internet is going to continue to grow and develop with everyday that passes, and the use of artistic ability will be there every step of the way.

Web 2.0 for Internet Marketers

Posted by: admin  |  Category: Internet Tools

Web 2.0 has become something of a buzzword in the online marketing industry which gets thrown around quite a bit, though many are unclear on just what it means. What is Web 2.0? It’s a somewhat nebulous concept which doesn’t necessarily lend itself to a single cut-and-dried definition, though there is a growing consensus as to what exactly is – and is not Web 2.0.

The basic idea behind this shift in the approach to online content has to do with making the World Wide Web more user friendly and interactive. One of the hallmarks of Web 2.0 is user-supplied content on community-oriented sites; for example, Facebook, YouTube and Digg, along with any number of blogs. Web 2.0 is characterized by interactive rather than one way static communication channels which allow web users to build communities based on mutual interests and platforms which facilitate truly interactive communication.

What do all of these developments in web technology mean for internet marketers? In a word, opportunities. Opportunities to reach narrowly targeted groups of consumers, opportunities to get out ahead of the media and manage your own brand image and corporate identity and opportunities to communicate directly with consumers one on one.

Among the most common Web 2.0 platforms used by business are blogs and social networking services like MySpace and Facebook. These provide your business with a more personalized, friendly image which is accessible to the consumer on their own terms. Given the number of companies choosing these new methods of getting their messages out and raising their profiles, it behooves any internet marketer who wants to remain competitive to become involved in these social networking and social media platforms.

Establishing an identity for your business on social networking sites allows you to reach a much larger audience than you could using nearly any other method – and of course, it’s also free. While you should make your business available to users of social networks, you should avoid using this platform to advertise outright; in fact, almost nothing will alienate people more quickly.

What you should do is to provide some general information about your business (and a link to your main website), but focus on being helpful and informative. Offer your insight rather than an actual marketing message. If you manage to catch the interest of fellow users, this will get them to visit your site and do business with you.

Social media sites like YouTube are a place where you can reach many potential customers. Again, the best approach to take is to be informative rather than making a sales pitch; you can provide a link to your website for interested viewers to use if they’d like to learn more. This and other community-supplied video sites are another good way for internet marketers in any industry to leverage the potential of Web 2.0 platforms to reach the consumer, particularly the highly desirable youth market.

There are of course many other platforms and techniques which can help you to take full advantage of Web 2.0 technologies and the opportunities they provide to business. The important thing is to get started immediately; the benefits of these new developments are there for the taking and can help you to build your business online.

SeaMonkey 2.1 Beta 2 / 2.0.12

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The actual SeaMonkey project is a neighborhood work to deliver production-quality produces associated with signal derived from the applying previously referred to as “Mozilla Application Suite”.

Whereas the main objective of the Mozilla Foundation is actually upon Mozilla Firefox and Mozilla Thunderbird, our number of dedicated volunteers works to ensure that you can have “everything but the kitchen area sink” and have it steady enough for business use.

SeaMonkey — Web-browser, IRC talk customer, sophisticated e-mail as well as newsgroup client as well as Html code editing made simple – all your Internet requirements in one application delivered by Mozilla. Here are a few crucial features of “SeaMonkey”:

Browser:

· Tabbed browsing provides you with a better way to go online. You no longer have to open 1 page at any given time. With tabbed searching, open up a number of pages at the same time along with one click. Plus, your home page could be multiple webpages, within tab. And if a person mistakenly close the tab or even windowpane, functionality in order to Undo Closed Tab or Windowpane helps you bring it to carry on dealing with this.

· SeaMonkey’s effective Add-ons Management provides almost unlimited possibilies to extend your Internet encounter both through setting up extra functionality developed by others as well as freely working on your own extensions and providing them towards the remaining SeaMonkey neighborhood.

· Give food to recognition notifies you whenever web pages provide Feed feeds, as well as feed examine lets you view their own contents and choose a reader that to subscribe to people — including an interior reader within the Mail & Newsgroups element of SeaMonkey.

· Smart Location Bar allows you to search your own visited webpages right when inputting within the web browser’s area club as well as discovering what you need in order to re-visited as fast as possible through learning which webpages a person visit frequently.

· Popup blocker enables you to surf the net with out interruption through annoying ads.

· Picture Supervisor enables you to prevent pictures to remove unpleasant images or even speed up the making of sites.

· Discover as you kind gives you another way to get around a page. Just begin inputting to jump from connect to hyperlink in order to find a term or even expression inside a web page.

· Session restore brings back all your open windows and tab after the uncommon occasion which SeaMonkey crashes – and when you wish even when you close and reopen the actual internet browser or reactivate your computer.

· In addition full functionalities a modern browser must have including: Sophisticated protection settings; Password, Obtain, and Cookie supervisors; Internet form autocompletion; Styles; plugin customization; multi-language and multi-platform support; and also the newest in Web Standards.

Postal mail & Newsgroups:

· Tabbed Mail lets you manage your own postal mail and files in similar, without dropping charge of exactly where you are from when reading, replying in order to and dealing along with communications in additional complex designs.

· Junk mail regulates assist you to take back charge of your own e-mail from spammers. SeaMonkey’s adaptive spam control gets smarter with use and is customized towards the e-mail that you receive.

· Manage your mail along with customizable Tags and Mail Sights. Colour code your e-mail that will help you focus on. Kind your mail along with views that will help you through your e-mail much faster.

· Multiple Accounts assistance helps you handle all your postal mail through 1 interface.

· Rss feeds as well as Weblogs is really a reader for Rss or atom and Atom rss feeds in your messaging center which helps reduce your own reading through of information all across the internet.

· SeaMonkey Mail & Newsgroups consists of Enterprise prepared functions such as S/MIME, come back bills, Tackle Publications, LDAP assistance, and digital signing.

Composer:

· SeaMonkey’s effective yet easy Html code publisher keeps getting better with powerful image and desk resizing, fast place and remove of table cells, improved Cascading stylesheet assistance, and assistance with regard to positioned levels. For all your paperwork as well as web site tasks, Musician is all you’ll need.

IRC Talk (“ChatZilla”):

· Chat on IRC systems with this particular simple however powerful IRC customer. Multiple systems as well as channels are simple to keep track of in a acquainted tabbed user interface.

· You are able to alter the look and feel from the chat with motifs; select from several built-in motifs, a lot more downloadable, or create your own along with CSS.

Web design Tools:

· DOM Inspector allows you to dig into the record framework of webpages, add-ons or even the SeaMonkey “chrome” itself and examine a huge number of properties of any aspect in which framework, such as JavaScript objects and CSS designs.

· JavaScript Debugger (“Venkman”) lets you debug JavaScript code on your web sites, add-ons and even in SeaMonkey by itself with a suite associated with effective debugging tools.

Needs:

· Pentium 233 MHz (Recommended: Pentium 500MHz or even greater)

· 128 MB RAM

· 50 MB associated with totally free hard drive space

Browser:

· “Always make use of Search engines a subscription in order to feeds” environment overlooked (Bug 612265)

MailNews:

· E-mails found along with advanced research cannot be opened by double click [RestoreSelectionWithoutContentLoad is not defined] (Insect 545420)

Certificates & Security Features:

· Allow multiple brand new origins through NSS Three.Twelve.8 for EV. (Bug 582579)

Windows:

· xpfe “history-dropmarker” binding makes invalid presumption about menupop kids (Insect 406396) · Permission refused exception chain way too detailed (Insect 549459)

Compiling:

· no more generating en-US langpacks following bug 578393 (Insect 609878)

· Back interface LDAP ASLR onto the present Thunderbird/SeaMonkey releases (Insect 623498)

· ‘* comm-1.Nine.One device test’ fail to ‘buildsymbols’ as well as ‘package’, since upgrade in order to buildbot Zero.Eight (Insect 619005)

Platform:

· JavaScript toLocaleString has a unpleasant memory leak (Bug 617097)

· Constant “test_bug614116.html codeTest timed out” upon limbs since which test landed presently there (Insect 616219)

· Include . to IDN whitelist (Bug 580161) · Add .il to IDN whitelis…

Adobe Flash Player 10.1.102.64 / 9.0.283 Patched / 9.0.280.0

Posted by: admin  |  Category: Internet Tools

Adobe Flash Player is the client runtime that delivers powerful and consistent user experiences across major operating systems, browsers, mobile phones, and devices.

Due to security features in the Adobe Flash Player ActiveX Control, you must first remove all existing installations of Flash Player from your Windows system before installing prerelease versions of the Flash Player 10 ActiveX Control:
· Download the uninstaller
· Open the Windows Command Prompt ( Run > cmd ).
· Navigate to the directory where the uninstaller was downloaded.
· Run “uninstall_flash_player.exe /clean.”

Flash Player enables organizations and individuals to build and deliver great digital experiences to their end users.

Here are some key features of “Adobe Flash Player”:

· ActionScript 3.0: ActionScript is the powerful object-oriented programming language of the Adobe Flash Player runtime environment. Based on ECMAScript, the international standardized programming language for scripting, ActionScript 3.0 further advances the language to offer developers a robust programming model for rich Internet applications (RIAs). Developers can achieve superb performance and ease of development to facilitate highly complex applications, large datasets, and object-oriented, reusable code bases. Executed within the new ActionScript Virtual Machine (AVM2) in Flash Player 9, ActionScript 3.0 delivers breakthrough performance for the next generation of RIAs.

· New virtual machine: Flash Player 9 includes a new, highly optimized ActionScript Virtual Machine (AVM) known as AVM2. Built from the ground up to work with the next generation of ActionScript, the new virtual machine is designed to deliver the performance and features to support the needs of rich Internet application developers. AVM2 supports full runtime error reporting, built-in debugging, and binary socket support so developers can extend the player to work with any binary protocol. Flash Player 9 also contains AVM1, which executes legacy ActionScript for maintaining backward compatibility with existing content.

· Increased performance
· Flash Player 9 builds on improvements in Flash Player 8 to execute content and applications faster than ever before with a number of performance improvements:
· Experience up to ten times faster ActionScript 3.0 execution with the new virtual machine and optimized compiler.
· Increase content and application speeds through faster application startup times and a 50% reduction in memory footprint.
· Accelerate rendering performance through more efficient, cached vector graphics.
· Improve text readability and get faster, smoother scrolling of large text blocks with optimized text rendering routines.
· Enhanced security
· Flash Player enforces security sandboxes for applications, content, data, and URLs to safeguard sensitive data and help ensure safe browsing for end users.

· InnovativeDisplay API: Flash Player 9 introduces powerful ActionScript 3.0 methods for manipulating raw graphics and creating custom effects. Create, manipulate, and remove objects from the display list on-the-fly.

· File upload/download: Flash Player enables the creation of sophisticated client-server applications using file upload and download APIs.

· Enhanced expressiveness
· Flash Player 9 includes the expressiveness enhancements added in Flash Player 8 that enable developers and designers to create breakthrough experiences.
· Design immersive experiences for Flash video, content and applications with full-screen mode.
· Deliver low-bandwidth, high-quality video with advanced compression technology.
· Create high-fidelity text using the advanced text rendering engine.
· Add real-time dynamic effects with filters for Blur, DropShadow, Glow, Bevel, Gradient Glow, Gradient Bevel, Displacement Map, Convolution, and Color Matrix.
· Create innovative media compositions with 8-bit video alpha channels.
· Expand your creative options with blend modes, radial gradient, and stroke enhancements.
· Dynamically import additional image formats: GIF, Progressive JPEG, and PNG.

· External API: Flash Player supports integration with HTML, DHTML, and Ajax applications through the External API.

· Asynchronous communication model: Flash Player is based on an asynchronous client-server communication model, enabling rapid client interactivity without web page refresh.

· Universal Consistent experiences: Flash Player delivers consistent content and application experiences across a range of web browsers and platforms.

· Express Install: Flash Player enables a smooth, in-context upgrade experience using Express Install and improved Auto-Update functionality.

· Input Method Editor (IME) support: Flash Player supports expanded integration with Input Method Editors (IMEs) for Asian-language Flash applications.

· Lightweight footprint: Flash Player boasts a lightweight footprint of 1MB, enabling the adoption rate of new versions to consistently reach over 600 million Internet users within 12 months of release.

Requirements:

· Windows Vista: Microsoft Internet Explorer 7, Firefox 2.0, AOL 9
· Windows XP: Microsoft Internet Explorer 6.0 or later, Firefox 1.x, Firefox 2.x, Mozilla 1.x or later, Netscape 7.x or later, AOL 9, Opera 7.11 or later
· Windows Server 2003: Microsoft Internet Explorer 6.0 or later, Firefox 1.x, Firefox 2.x
· Windows 2000: Microsoft Internet Explorer 5.x, Firefox 1.x, Firefox 2.x, Mozilla 1.x, Netscape 7.x or later, AOL 9, Opera 7.11 or later
· Windows Me: Microsoft Internet Explorer 5.5, Firefox 1.x, Mozilla 1.x, Netscape 7.x or later, AOL 9, Opera 7.11 or later
· Windows 98: Microsoft Internet Explorer 6.0 or later, Firefox 1.x, Mozilla 1.x, Netscape 7.x or later, CompuServe 7, AOL 9, Opera 7.11 or later

What’s New in This Release:

· Critical vulnerabilities have been identified in Adobe Flash Player 10.1.85.3 and earlier versions for Windows, Macintosh, Linux, and Solaris, and Adobe Flash Player 10.1.95.1 for Android. These vulnerabilities, including CVE-2010-3654 referenced in Security Advisory APSA10-05, could cause the application to crash and could potentially allow an attacker to take control of the affected system.

Looking for Open Source Business Intelligence Software Companies

Posted by: admin  |  Category: General, Internet Tools

Our company has been recently searching for the best open source business intelligence vendor that has a product that can fulfill our company’s needs. During our search we found a few different vendors with great offers but none stood out in terms of data visualization more than Actuate. When I was checking out their website, I found a massive amount of information on their open source business intelligence offering along with flash demos of their data visualization in action. I was very impressed with the information on the website and decided to download the trial version of their software. We are currently testing it out and find it very easy to use and straight forward. We have not made any final decisions yet because we plan on trying out the other vendors in the market but Actuate BIRT is definitely one of our top choices currently. If your company is looking into a business intelligence solution, consider Actuate BIRT.

Hacker or Cracker??

Posted by: admin  |  Category: Internet Tools, Tips and Trick

To define the terms hacker and cracker, the bottom line would probably be this:

- A hacker is a person intensely interested in the arcane and recondite workings of any computer operating system. Hackers are most often programmers. As such, hackers obtain advanced knowledge of operating systems and programming languages. They might discover holes within systems and the reasons for such holes. Hackers constantly seek further knowledge, freely share what they have discovered, and never, ever intentionally damage data.

- A cracker is one who breaks into or otherwise violates the system integrity of remote machines with malicious intent. Having gained unauthorized access, crackers destroy vital data, deny legitimate users service, or cause problems for their targets. Crackers can easily be identified because their actions are malicious.

The Difference Between iPad and Netbook

Posted by: admin  |  Category: General, Internet Tools
Initial test runs show that the iPad has the edge over Netbooks when it comes to viewing videos, reading e-books and playing games. Of course it provides these benefits at a higher price tag as well. The Netbook isn’t actually an entertainment device per se, but it does offer a lot more hard drive space as well as a full keyboard that makes it better suited to task such as typing out long documents.
The iPad features a 9.7” touch-screen display that comes with an on-screen keyboard for typing purposes. The device can also be used for Web browsing, e-mail, and reading e-books, watching movies and playing games, as mentioned previously.
Some of the biggest attractions of the iPad are its longer battery life when compared to even the longest running Netbooks, and its enhanced multimedia functionality that it provides by way of its 720p high-definition video capability. Apple claims that the iPad allows up to 10 hours of battery life with regular use, which stands a distinct improvement over the typical four to eight hours that you would get on a similarly spec’d Netbook.
Where the Netbook takes the lead is in its ability to run several Windows or Linux programs at the same time. That being said, the iPad works very well as an e-book reader, a task that Netbooks are ill-equipped to handle. In addition, the iPad offers a familiar interface derived from the iPhone, making it even easier to operate than the Windows driven Netbook. Netbooks take the lead with the inclusion of a webcam however, a feature that may or may not be included in future versions of the iPad.
Comparisons
iPad
  • Offers more functionality than a smartphone
  • More flexible than a laptop
  • Large touch-screen display
  • Utilizes an on-screen keyboard
  • Can be used for Web browsing, e-mail, e-books, and movies and games
  • Superior battery life to Netbooks
  • Is a lot more expensive than a Netbook
Netbook
  • Are basically just cheaper laptops
  • Shorter battery life
  • Is not intended primarily as an entertainment device
  • Offers more hard drive space
  • Comes with a full keyboard

Cox fixed its eye on Digital Safety

Posted by: admin  |  Category: Internet Tools

Do you think that you have done your job by controlling what your children see and don’t see on the television and the net ?  If so , then its time that you to log on to http://www.ustream.tv/channel/coxteensummit or join the dialogue on Twitter using the hash tag  #cox4teensafety to know about the discussions held at the  5th Annual Cox Teen Summit which was conducted by the Cox Communication and the National Centre for Missing and Exploited Children ( NCMEC). The Summit focused on Digital Reputations Management which included issues regarding online safety on the 15th of June in Washington , D.C.. It brought together teens from across the country to discuss a wide range of online safety issues including cyberbulling, sexting and the potential long-term impact of social media posts on the digital reputation. National Center for Missing and Exploited Children is a national clearing house that examines cybercrimes and Internet child pornography for the Government.

The discussion at the event was lead by guest panellist and well-known social media expert , James Andrews along with “ America’s Most Wanted” host and children’s advocate John Walsh. The Cox Teen Summit discussion focused on what do your online posts and pictures really say about you. In conjunction with the Summit , Cox and NCMEC  released the results of their annual survey during the event that showcased the key changes and trends in the online behaviour of teens over the past five years. The last survey paid particular interest to teen’s comprehension of the potential long-term consequences of social media communications for their digital reputation. The results revealed that 85 percent of teens now have mobile phones, 85 percent now have a social network profile and about 30 percent are not concerned and do not think there will be consequences for what they post online and about 50 percent don’t really screen who looks at their profile – meaning they have never met the people who are looking at their posts.

This initiative of The National Teen Summit on online safety issues is a part of the  Coxs Communication’s  ‘ Take Charge !’ initiative which helps not only the preteens  and teens but also their parents and guardians to make smarter media decisions. With over 6 million customers and over 22,000 employees, Cox is known as one of the best in business for its commitment to diversity and overall corporate strategy !

Safety Tips for Using the Internet

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Most of us know that the Internet can be a valuable source of entertainment and education, but cyberspace is not without its risks. Viruses and spyware are common on the Web, both of which can lead to costly computer damage. Internet users are also vulnerable to identity theft and other cybercrimes. Anyone using the Internet should learn and implement a few basic safety tips to protect themselves and their computers.

Protect Your Computer
1. The basics of Internet safety start with protecting your computer. Viruses, worms and Trojans can wreak havoc on a computer, and in some cases the data loss and damage may be irreparable. To guard against this, install an antivirus program on your computer, and update it regularly to guard against new types of attacks. Do a full system virus scan periodically to check your computer for infection. Many antivirus programs can be easily configured to run automatic scans. You should also scan all email attachments and Web downloads with an antivirus program before opening them, even if they come from a trusted source.

Installing a firewall on your computer will also help guard against online attacks. A firewall shields computers from malicious Internet traffic and filters in relevant and safe data while blocking harmful data. Many computer operating systems now come with a built-in firewall, but firewall software programs are also available from a wide variety of software vendors. Before purchasing or downloading antivirus and firewall programs, make sure that they come from trusted sources. Read customer reviews of available products to make your decision.
Protect Yourself
2. Personal information, such as your name, address, social security number and other sensitive information, should only be given to trusted sources. Make online purchases from credible companies, and read the privacy policies of websites before agreeing to their terms of service. Using credit cards instead of debit cards is recommended, as credit cards offer more protection against theft. When submitting personal information online, make sure the site is encrypted for privacy. The URL of an encrypted site will start with “https” instead of the standard “http” and may also contain an icon that looks like a padlock in the lower portion of the screen.

Children especially should never give out their names, addresses or other personal information to anyone online, although adults would be wise to follow this advice as well. Use your first name only or a Web alias. When agreeing to a face-to-face meeting with someone you have met online, choose a public place, such as a coffee shop or restaurant. Tell a trusted friend where you are going, and have him call to check up on you. Never go alone to a home or other secluded place to meet someone whom you have only known online.
More Tips
3. If you are being harassed, threatened or “cyberbullied” online, do not respond with anger, as this will only make the situation escalate. Consider changing your email address or taking other steps to avoid contact. If you continue to be threatened, document the harassment and report it to local law enforcement authorities or the FBI. Similarly, if you are the victim of online fraud, contact the appropriate law enforcement authorities immediately.

Another important component of Internet safety is watching out for Internet addiction. Strike a healthy balance between Internet use and other activities. If you find you are sacrificing sleep, ignoring family and friends or falling behind in your job due to Web surfing, take steps to cut down on your Internet use. Do not forget to turn the computer off now and then and spend a fun day outside

Internet Safety Tips for Parents

Posted by: admin  |  Category: Internet Tools

You don’t need to be technologically savvy to protect your kids on the Internet. This is probably a good thing, because children seem to be one step ahead of adults when it comes to understanding technology. Unfortunately, although kids may be smart about how to use computers, they don’t understand the dangers that can lurk in chat rooms and online communication. That’s why they need parents to understand and be proactive about it. Internet safety requires communication, common sense and a good understanding of the dangers that lurk on the Web.
Computer Location and Supervision
Computers that are connected to the Internet should be placed in a central location in your home, not a child’s bedroom. This allows you to monitor activity better. Never allow children to use the Internet unsupervised.
Social Sites and Email
Activity on social sites, such as Facebook and YouTube, should be monitored closely. Take the time to read what others are posting on your child’s profile. You should also have access to your child’s email account and do random checks to see who they are contacting.
Teach
Teach your children how to be safe online. Make sure they understand they should never give out any personal information over the Internet. Also, make sure they understand that they should never meet someone they met online without permission or download pictures or other items from unknown sources.

Encourage Communication
Encourage your children to come to you about any strange or unusual activity they experience on the Internet. Fear of punishment is a big factor that can restrict this area. Therefore, make sure that your child is not punished for revealing this information.
Watch Credit Card and Cell Phone Usage
Credit cards and cell phones can also help you monitor what your child is doing on the Internet. Watch your credit cards for any unauthorized use. Check to see what phone numbers are coming in to your child’s cell phone or your home phone. Check out any numbers that you don’t recognize.
Privacy
Monitoring your child’s Internet usage is not a violation of their privacy anymore than keeping an eye on them at a shopping mall would be. Explain to your child that they can have privacy in their lives, but not on the Internet. If they complain that you are treating them like a child, remind them most workplaces monitor Internet and email usage of their employees.

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