Internet Safety Guidelines        We’ve had many questions from people about how they can protect themselves while on the Internet.  These questions have come after chatters have been threatened by unscrupulous people who get a hold of personal information.  Some of this information is easy to come by as people talk freely in chat or post personal information on the message boards.  Although 99% of individuals you meet on-line are just like you, there are some who prey on the unsuspecting.  If you wish to protect your personal information, follow these basic guidelines.  Basic Guidelines: Never use your real name as part of your email address.  Since most people talk about what state or city they are in, someone can easily find your address and phone number by plugging that information into an on-line people finder service. We recommend that you do not permit your email address to be viewed by all members of the community.  You can ensure that your email address is protected by going to “Member Tools” and un-check the box, "Allow members of this community to see my email address." Never post your real name, email address, home address, phone number, your neighborhood name, names and ages of your children, or other personal information on the boards or in chat. When you are emailing several people, ALWAYS use the blind carbon copy (Bcc) field rather than the “To” field.  This will protect your friends' email addresses. Guard your IM very carefully and only allow those people you know well to have access to it.  Some viruses are being sent through IM, so even if you receive a file from a friend, scan it before viewing or using it. Anything you send over the Internet can be intercepted and read by someone else unless you are using special security settings when you connect to the site (for example, when purchasing something from a reputable site like Amazon.com).  So be aware that information you put in email can be read by strangers. If you are using DSL or Cable to connect to the internet, you must use a firewall to protect your computer.  A firewall prohibits someone from accessing your computer.  If you do not have one, they may: read all of the information you have stored on your computer (names, addresses, phone numbers, bank account information, etc.); leave a virus; or take over the operation of your computer and use it for their purposes. Be careful with the information you divulge to others in chat.  Sharing is one way of getting to know people, but be cautious and go slowly.      Reference Sites: Microsoft has a good site describing how you can protect yourself and your family while on-line.  Go to http://www.microsoft.com/privacy/safeinternet/ to read about every area of internet safety (shopping, browsing, cookies, emails, etc.). Internet-Safety.org has additional information about keeping yourself safe:   Be Safe ! ! !     Web Page By: WordWoman / Pinohio 2003