1. Internet Safety By Stephanie Jarrard

2. What is the Internet?  “Internet” is a shortened name for “Interconnected networks”  The internet is a global collection of networks that are linked together in many different ways.  Computers can connect to the internet through a modem, and internet service provider, or a local area network.

3. What’s so Dangerous About the Internet? There are many dangers lurking around the internet that can infect your computer and life:  Phishing, malware, spyware, spam, viruses, and junk. These dangerous programs attach themselves to respectful looking software and then infect your computer when you unknowingly download them. By unknowingly installing these programs you’re inviting them to come and wreak havoc among your programs and files on your computer.

4. Why Does it Matter? If these dangerous programs are allowed to move freely around your computer, there are many potential risks:  Damage to the computer, identity theft, and financial loss. The more powerful and dangerous programs can permanently destroy your computer and if your information in not protected, people can access and steal your personal or financial information.

5. What Should I Avoid?  Avoid giving out personal information. If you absolutely must give out your information, make sure it’s to someone you know or that it is for a legitimate reason.  Don’t share your passwords with anyone, not even your friends. If someone has your password, they can access private information about you from your account.  If a website asks for your social security number or any personal or financial information, do not give it out, ask your parents or guardians first and they should be able to tell if the wed site is legitimate.

6. Tips for Staying Safe  Passwords should always be unique and secret. “qwerty” and “12345” are two of the most used passwords and therefore the easiest to guess in order to steal someone’s account. Pick something only you would think of.  Know which information is safe to give and which isn’t. You can give out your first name, and sometimes your last name too, but don’t give out your address or phone number, your birthday, SSN, or any credit card information.  Never send pictures of yourself to strangers, and do not share personal information with strangers. Chat rooms are dangerous because you never know who you are talking to.

7. How to Keep Your Computer Safe  Antivirus software is good for preventing malicious programs from infecting your computer. Scanning your computer regularly with an antivirus software can prevent annoying computer crashes and keep your computer from slowing down.  Malware is a little more difficult to get rid of because it can imbed itself deep into your files, and even multiple files at one time. There is antimalware software that you can use to scan your computer and pull the malware out of all of your files.

8. Resources  http://www.brainpop.com/search/search.weml?keyword=internet+safety  http://www.commonsensemedia.org/adv ice-for-parents/  http://www.ehow.com/way_5643177_onli ne-safety-tips-students.html  http://www.fbi.gov/fun-games/kids/kids- safety/  http://www.isafe.org/outreach/media/m edia_tips