1. Internet Safety and The Digital Divide
Ian Ramsey
C of E School
GCSE ICT
Let’s Communicate
Internet Safety
and
The Digital Divide

2. Definition of a computer virus
Starter:
Use the internet to find a definition of a computer virus.
Copy and paste the URL (web address) of the site that you use.
Definition of a computer virus
Source
A computer virus is a program or piece of code that is loaded onto your computer without your knowledge and runs against your wishes. Viruses can also replicate themselves. All computer viruses are man-made. A simple virus that can make a copy of itself over and over again is relatively easy to produce. Even such a simple virus is dangerous because it will quickly use all available memory and bring the system to a halt. An even more dangerous type of virus is one capable of transmitting itself across networks and bypassing security systems.
a piece of code which is capable of copying itself and typically has a detrimental effect, such as corrupting the system or destroying data.
A computer virus is a program.

3. Lesson Objectives: By the end of this lesson you will be able to:
understand the risks associated with Internet use
protect yourself and your computer from Internet-related problems
understand the digital divide and the factors that contribute to lack of access to technology

4. Internet problems:
What problems have you had when using the Internet? In pairs make a list below and add any specific examples or an explanation of how it affected you.
Problem encountered
Description/Effects
Slow loading
The information you want takes a while to load
Spam
Spam clutters up your inbox with s you don’t want
Computer virus
The computer crashes and causes problems with hardware and software sometimes deleting data
Link doesn’t work
The site you want to go to doesn’t work
Pop up adverts or surveys
Annoying as they pop up when you don’t want them to
When you go on a site and it takes you to an advertisement page
Its more difficult to quickly view the site you want
Accounts hacked into
Can get personal information
Inaccurate information
If the site is created by someone with false information you are informed wrongly
Unable to close a webpage
Bad when you need to go on something else

5. Viruses:
Viruses are programs that can infect a computer without the permission or knowledge of the user. They can damage the system’s settings and memory, generating error messages and causing the computer to malfunction.
Viruses can get on to your computer through:
Visiting certain websites
Opening s
Downloading attachments or content from the internet
Using infected portable storage devices such as memory sticks, DVDs and CDs
Connecting to an infected hard disk
Worm – similar to a virus, but it has the capability to travel without any human action so it can infect many computers. It is able to replicate itself and can use the address book to send itself to everyone listed. It consumes system memory to do this and slows down the computer or the network.
Trojan horse – a program that appears legitimate but performs some harmful activity when it is run. It may be used to locate password information or make the system more vulnerable to future entry or simply destroy programs or data on the hard disk. A Trojan is similar to a virus, except that it does not replicate itself or reproduce by infecting other files. It stays in the computer doing its damage or allowing somebody from a remote site to take control of the computer. Trojans often sneak in attached to a free game.

6. Viruses (task):
Write a list of guidelines for teenagers to help protect their computers from viruses. 1
Be wary of opening trash mail – delete them as soon as you get them 2
Think before downloading free apps 3
Don’t open attachments from s unless you trust the person 4
Only use your own hardware devices to put in the computer 5
Keeping your operating system up to date 6
Using up to date anti virus software 7
Only downloading files from safe websites 8
Avoiding software from unreliable sources
Clear the cache or search history to prevent viruses
Use these websites to help you if necessary:

7. Spyware:
Spyware is a computer program which is installed without permission, sometimes through a virus or sometimes as part of the installation of a program. It works by collecting information and sending it back to another source.
The information collected could include the websites you have been visiting or what you have been downloading. This information is often used for marketing purposes, but can also be used for illegal purposes such as fraud (tricking someone for personal gain or to damage them).
Cookies:
A cookie is a small file which stores information related to your internet activity and then reports this back to the website server.
Cookies are used legally by website creators to enable websites to be customised for individual users. For example, if you go onto the BBC website you can customise the homepage and the next time you visit the site the layout will appear as you have set it.
However, cookies can cause problems such as pop-ups being generated.

8. Spam: Phishing: Hackers: Identity theft:
Spam is all unwanted such as advertisements and chain letters.
Phishing:
Phishing involves sending a link via an to a website which looks like a genuine site (e.g. a bank website) but is in fact bogus. The recipient may be tricked into following the link and entering details such as bank passwords, or personal information on the website.
Hackers:
It is important to keep the information that is stored on your computer secure. Hackers are people who try to get access to your computer without your permission in order to steal information which they could use for malicious or criminal purposes.
Identity theft:
This takes place when someone collects personal information about you and uses that information for malicious or criminal purposes. In the past, criminals used to rummage through bins to get information, but now people can access internet social networking sites where people’s profiles contain personal information which could prove valuable to the criminals.

9. Make a PowerPoint presentation advising teenagers on how to keep their computer safe.
Include information on some of the following:
Viruses
Spyware
Phishing
Identity theft

10. Protecting yourself – Computer safety:
Open this worksheet:
All pupils – ICT – GCSE Edexcel – Theory – Unit 1– Computer safety
Replace the lines with the correct words, choosing from those given underneath each statement.
Save the worksheet into your Theory – Unit 1 folder.

11. The digital divide
This is the gap between people in society who cannot or do not have effective access to digital technology and those who do.
Because of the importance of technology in modern life, people who do not have access to it can be disadvantaged in man ways.
Lack of access is most common in the UK if you:
Have a low income
Live in a rural area
Have weak literacy skills
Have a disability
Are from an ethnic minority
Are elderly
Can you think of reasons why these groups in society do not have access to the latest technology or may choose not to get the latest technology?
Is it the responsibility of the Government to try to do something about the digital divide?

12. Knowledge check
You have installed free software on your computer. You notice that your computer has slowed down. What steps should you take?
Answer:
You keep receiving spam mail. What can you do?
Answer: