October -- Cyber Security Awareness Month

Each year additional organizations join in the effort to spread information on cyber security awareness.

The 2015 Cyber Security Awareness Month marks the fifth anniversary of the campaign

  Stop | Think | Connect


With that in mind, consider the following suggestions not only during Cyber Security Awareness month but every day:

Stop:  Before you click that formatted link in your email, search results or social media account, mouse over the link to ensure the URL matches the description.

Think:  Whether it is email, Facebook, Twitter, an online forum or other online media, instead of spouting off the first reply that comes to mind when you disagree, think before you click the send button.  Remember that your online reputation can follow you in "real life".

Connect:  When you connect to the Internet, ensure your device software as well as any apps or third-party software are up to date.

Cyber Security Awareness Month Resources

The United States isn't the only country supporting cyber security awareness.  Canada and the European Union are also involved in promoting cyber security awareness month.  Visit their sites along with the others listed.

• APWG:  The Anti-Phishing Working Group
• Canada: GetCyberSafe
• Europe: European Cyber Safety Month
• Homeland Security: National Cyber Security Awareness Month
• Microsoft on the Issues: Cyber Security Awareness Month goes international
• Stay Save Online.org: National Cyber Security Awareness Month
• U.S. Government:   OnGuard Online

Remember - "A day without laughter is a day wasted."
May the wind sing to you and the sun rise in your heart...

Safer Internet Day 2015

As it was last year, the theme of Safer Internet Day 2015 is “Let’s create a better internet together".

What can you do to help create a better Internet?  Following the guidelines below will go a long way:

1. Think before you post
2. Connect with respect
3. Promote the positive online

Additional information and resources are available on the Safer Internet Day website.

Consider also the tips provided by Jacqueline Beauchere, Chief Online Safety Officer at Microsoft, at Safer Internet Day 2015: Keep a positive online reputation.

Remember - "A day without laughter is a day wasted."
May the wind sing to you and the sun rise in your heart...

Safer Internet Day, Connect With Respect #SID2013

Safer Internet Day is marking its tenth year in promoting safer and more responsible use of online technology and mobile phones, especially among children and young people across the world.

The annual February event is organized by Insafe and co-sponsored by the European Union.  The theme for the event this year is "Online rights and responsibilities", with the goal to encourage everyone to Connect With Respect.

Children and Teens Online

It is important for parents to ensure that your children understand that after information is made public on the Internet, it cannot be taken back.  Be sure they understand the dangers that lurk not only in the form of computer viruses but also child predators.

Review the information at How to help your kids use social websites more safely and ensure that household rules are established and followed.

Cyber Bullying

As reported by Microsoft, 37% of children indicated in a survey that they have been bullied online.  Another 24% admitted that they have bullied someone online.

Take a couple of minutes to go through the following quiz which includes five online-bullying scenarios.  Follow the "learn more" links for helpful tips on correcting negative and reinforcing positive behaviors.

Safer Online Teen Challenge

With cyber bullying a continuing problem, parents of youths between the ages of 13-18 are encouraged to point those teenagers to the Microsoft-sponsored Safer Online Teen Challenge.

The Teen Challenge is designed to enable teens to learn about online safety issues. It’s a fun way to get creative and talk with others about important digital topics.

Take the challenge to make every day a Safer Internet Day for you and your family to Connect With Respect.

Additional information about Safer Internet Day is available in the references below.

References

Insafe:  Safer Internet Day
Microsoft:  Safer Internet Day
Safer Internet Day

Remember - "A day without laughter is a day wasted."
May the wind sing to you and the sun rise in your heart...

Safer Internet Day

It's more than a game, it's your life

Safer Internet Day is organized by Insafe and co-sponsored by the European Union.  The purpose is to promote safer and more responsible use of online technology and mobile phones, especially among children and young people across the world.



As parents, the most important that you can do is talk to your children.  Be aware of an make sure they know the dangers that exist on the Internet -- cyberbullying in particular.  Cyberbullying is not something that only  happens to other people's children.  It can have serious consequences.  For additional information see Stop Cyberbullying and Help protect your kids from cyberbullying.

Other things parents need to do include

• Know what sites your children are visiting.  
• Know who your their friends are -- both online and offline.  
• Set time limits to their online time.

For young children consider Kid-Safe Cool Applications and Websites. 

The European Union has a wealth of information available for both parents and children with materials available in numerous languages.  See How to stay safe online? Resources for parents and children.

Microsoft online gaming resources available at GetGameSmart.com:

• Safer Online Gaming brochure
• Get Game Smart Family PACT
• Xbox 360 / Kinect Safer Family Gaming Guide

References:

• European Union:  Safer Internet Programme: Empowering and Protecting Children Online
• Insafe:  Safer Internet Day
• Microsoft:  GetGameSmart.com

Clubhouse Tags: Clubhouse, Family Safety, Games, Kinect, Windows, XBox,

Remember - "A day without laughter is a day wasted."
May the wind sing to you and the sun rise in your heart...

Online Safety Calendar for Cyber Security Awareness Month

This year marks the seventh annual National Cyber Security Awareness (NCSA) month.  Officially, the National Cyber Security Awareness Month launch will take place tomorrow, October 4, 2010, in Seattle, Washington at the Seattle Public Library.

NCSA provides an opportunity for teachers, businesses, government entities, libraries, as well as bloggers like me to provide tips to help you stay safe and secure online.

With acknowledgment to a tip by fellow Microsoft MVP, Richard Hay, at his website, WindowsObserver.com, I am going to tell you about the Online Safety Calendar, a great new add-on available for Internet Explorer.  The add-on is an ideal tool to enhance your cyber security awareness.

Although it is not yet available for Internet Explorer 9 (Beta) or alternate browsers, with the installed Online Safety Calendar add-on, Internet safety tips such as "How to protect yourself from identity theft", "Online shopping safety tips", and more are available at your fingertips.  Of particular interest is the wealth of information available to parents for teaching children how they can stay safe online.

Installation of the add-on is easy.  Simply go to the download link provided below and save the file.  When you run the installer, you will need to agree to the Terms and Conditions of Service.  If you are running Windows Vista or Windows 7, accept the UAC elevation prompt for the installation.  (Note:  The calendar is not currently compatible with IE 9 Beta.)

Restart Internet Explorer when instructed during installation and at the beginning of each month, you will receive a calendar reminder to help you take action on important online safety issues.

It is not necessary to wait for the monthly reminder to get safety tips.  You can also access the calendar whenever you want. Simply launch Internet Explorer, click Tools, and then click Online Safety Calendar.  Alternatively, click on the Online Safety Calendar icon from the Internet Explorer Command Bar.

Below is a partial screen copy of the calendar information for National Cyber Security Awareness Month:

The Online Safety Calendar was sponsored by Microsoft and developed by ILookBothWays.com.  Before starting I Look Both Ways, president and founder Linda Criddle was a 13-year employee of Microsoft where she was a pioneer in online safety for the MSN division. 

While I still have your attention, I want to encourage everyone, but particularly parents, to check the helpful information available at iLookBothWays.  Under the "Learn Safety" tab are links to articles with advice on how to steer clear of Internet hazards including topics on sending e-mail, dating online, or protecting your children.  There are brochures that can be downloaded and educational videos on topics such as "Talking to Kids About Online Safety" and "Protecting Kids on Social Networks".

References:

• iLookBothWays: Microsoft Sponsors New Internet Safety Calendar App by LOOKBOTHWAYS
• Internet Safety Calendar Download: Free Internet safety calendar « iLookBothWays
• Microsoft: October is National Cyber Security Awareness Month
• NCSA: http://www.staysafeonline.info/
• The White House: Presidential Proclamation--National Cybersecurity Awareness Month
• Windows Observer:   Look Both Ways Before Crossing The Internetm

Clubhouse Tags: Clubhouse, security, family, safety, information, Internet Explorer, IE, How-to

Remember - "A day without laughter is a day wasted."
May the wind sing to you and the sun rise in your heart...

Kid-Safe Cool Applications and Websites

When I was growing up, before going outside to play, parental instructions were, "Be home by dark" and "Don't talk to strangers". That was before the computer age and was a time when parents depended on school teachers to teach their children in reading, writing and arithmetic.

We live in a much different world today. Before beginning school, children not only know their ABC’s but most also have basic reading and number recognition skills. Parents (or grandparents, aunts or uncles) looking for kid-safe learning games may be interested in ItzaBitza or kidthing.

ItzaBitza is a kids learning game from http://sabigames.com/kids-games/itzabitza/. It has a target audience of kids ages 4 to 8. The program is listed at $19.99 and is compatible with Windows XP, Windows Vista, and Windows 7.

The free content available from ItzaBitza includes Let’s Read!PDF (1.5MB), by Dr. Diana Sharp with creative ways to plant seeds of a lifelong love of reading in your child. Also available is Sketchy Adventures PDF (2.1MB):

The Sketchies are waiting to go on an adventure with you and your child! Each adventure is designed to engage your child in using their creativity and imagination to come up with their own endings.

The ItzaBitza drawing games are intended to allow kids to interact with their drawings. As kids play, they are using creative thinking, problem solving, and reading comprehension skills.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Kids play, read, learn safely online and more from http://www.kidthing.com/. The suggested age ranges of the kidthing products range from 3 to 11. The store has categories by age as well as school levels Pre-K and Elementary.

The kidthing player is free to download and includes a few free things not only to get you started but also to evaluate if it will suit your child. The products at the kidthing store cost between $ .99 and $ 7.99. kidthing is compatible with Windows XP, Windows Vista and Windows 7.

kidthing™ was formed with a single goal in mind - create a new platform that keeps kids safe while using the Internet to have fun learning, sharing and getting to know the world around them.

The company was founded by a team of experienced business people, technologists, and designers. We all have kids and are just as worried about them surfing websites as you are about yours.

kidthing leverages the power and global reach of the Internet to deliver fun and engaging content to kids everywhere, yet keeps them off of the World Wide Web and all of the inappropriate and potentially harmful things that they can encounter there.

As your children begin to explore the computer and the Internet on their own, it is important for parents and family members to have the tools to keep them safe. In addition to the resources provided below, an excellent on-line resource for parents and family members is the website, BeWebAware.

Be Web Aware is a national, bilingual public education program on Internet safety. The initiative was developed and supported by Media Awareness Network (MNet), Bell and Microsoft Canada. It includes safety tips by age, information for parents on cyberbullying, privacy, gaming, marketing aimed at kids, and much more.

A Small Selection of Kid-Safe Websites and Activities

• Cool Math Games
• NASA for Kids
• National Geographic For Kids
• Online and Downloadable Educational Freeware
• PBS Kids
• Scholastic for Kids
• Smithsonian for Kids
• Starfall

Child Safety Help for Parents

• Age-based safety tips for kids
• BeWebAware
• Sample family contract for house Internet rules
• 4 steps parents can take to help protect kids online
• Basics to teach kids about the Internet
• Guide to Using Parental Controls
• Resources for Parents, Teachers and Young People

Clubhouse Tags: Clubhouse, Challenge-Apps, Family Safety, Games, Story, Windows Vista, Windows 7,

Remember - "A day without laughter is a day wasted."
May the wind sing to you and the sun rise in your heart...

A Childhood for Every Child

What are your favorite childhood memories? Mine include spring and summer gatherings of the children from the around the neighborhood in our large side yard playing baseball. The autumn meant jumping in piles of leaves and winter brought snow angels and ice skating in the frozen pond in back. It did not matter age or gender. Everyone had fun.

Not all children have the luxury of happy memories. Sadly, there are thousands of children subjected to sexual abuse and exploitation. These children are victimized over and over as recordings of the abuse are shared online among pedophiles as child pornography,

As explained by Ernie Allen, President & CEO, National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, in A Childhood for Every Child:

“Child pornography worldwide, and particularly in the United States, has exploded with the advent of the Internet. Here at NCMEC, since 2003, we have reviewed and analyzed almost 30 million photos and videos of child pornography, and we project that nine million child pornography photos and videos will be reviewed and analyzed in the coming year. As much as the Internet has improved our daily lives, it has also allowed people to access child pornography with limited risk of discovery, and encouraged pedophiles to build networks that validate and facilitate their depraved desires.”

In an effort to assist in the effort to fight this abuse, Microsoft is donating a new technology, PhotoDNA to the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children (NCMEC). PhotoDNA, was initially created by Microsoft Research and was further developed by Hany Farid, a leading digital-imaging expert and professor of computer science at Dartmouth College. The goal is to help NCMEC in its efforts to find hidden copies of the worst images of child sexual exploitation.

The following short video explains how PhotoDNA works (Silverlight required).

Help fight the problem of child sexual abuse and exploitation. If you see it, if you know about it, if you suspect it, report it to NCMEC by e-mail or call 1-800-THE-LOST.

Related Information:

• National Center for Missing & Exploited Children
• Hany Farid Page
• Microsoft Research
• Microsoft on the Issues: A Childhood for Every Child
• New Technology Fights Child Porn by Tracking Its “PhotoDNA”
• Dartmouth researcher helps in halting the spread of child pornography
• Microsoft Employee Fights Child Exploitation

Clubhouse Tags: Clubhouse, Microsoft, Family, Safety, Child Safety, Information, Story

Remember - "A day without laughter is a day wasted."
May the wind sing to you and the sun rise in your heart...

Cyber Security Awareness Tip of the Day: October 17

The first Tip of the Day related to the manner of sharing information at social networking sites. Because social networking sites like MySpace, Facebook, Twitter, or Windows Live Spaces and the like are popular, additional safety thoughts are in order.

October 17 Tip of the Day

From Microsoft, 10 tips for social networking safety:

Social networking Web sites like MySpace, Facebook, Twitter, and Windows Live Spaces are services people can use to connect with others to share information like photos, videos, and personal messages.

As the popularity of these social sites grows, so do the risks of using them. Hackers, spammers, virus writers, identity thieves, and other criminals follow the traffic.

Read these tips to help protect yourself when you use social networks.

1. Use caution when you click links that you receive in messages from your friends on your social Web site. Treat links in messages on these sites as you would links in e-mail messages. (For more information, see Approach links in e-mail with caution.)
   
   
2. Don't trust that a message is really from who it says it's from. Hackers can break into accounts and send messages that look like they're from your friends, but aren't. If you suspect that a message is fraudulent, use an alternate method to contact your friend to find out. This includes invitations to join new social networks.
   
   
3. To avoid giving away e-mail addresses of your friends, do not allow social networking services to scan your e-mail address book. When you join a new social network, you might receive an offer to enter your e-mail address and password to find out who else is on the network. The site might use this information to send e-mail messages to everyone in your contact list or even everyone you've ever sent an e-mail message to with that e-mail address. Social networking sites should explain that they're going to do this, but some do not.
   
   
4. Type the address of your social networking site directly into your browser or use your personal bookmarks. If you click a link to your site through e-mail or another Web site, you might be entering your account name and password into a fake site where your personal information could be stolen.
   
   
5. Be selective about who you accept as a friend on a social network. Identity thieves might create fake profiles in order to get information from you. This is known as social engineering.
   
   
6. Choose your social network carefully. Evaluate the site that you plan to use and make sure you understand the privacy policy. Find out if the site monitors content that people post. You will be providing personal information to this Web site, so use the same criteria that you would to select a site where you enter your credit card.
   
   
7. Assume what you write on a social networking site is permanent. Even if you can delete your account, anyone on the Internet can easily print the information or save it to a computer.
   
   
8. Be careful about installing extras on your site. Many social networking sites allow you to download third-party applications that let you do more with your personal page. Criminals sometimes use these applications in order to steal your personal information. To download and use third-party applications safely, take the same safety precautions that you take with any other program or file you download from the Web. For more information, see Before you download files, help protect your computer.
   
   
9. Think twice before you use social networking sites at work. For more information, see Be careful with social networking sites, especially at work.
   
   
10. Talk to your kids about social networking. If you're a parent of children who use social networking sites, see How to help your kids use social Web sites more safely.

Remember - "A day without laughter is a day wasted."
May the wind sing to you and the sun rise in your heart...

Cyber Security Awareness Tip of the Day: October 16

Yesterday's Tip of the Day was directed toward the younger children in the house. When your children get a bit older, they are going to be IM'ing (Instant Messaging). It is important to set guidelines for your children and to also lock down their account so only friends known to them are added to their contact list.

October 16 Tip of the Day

Be sure your tweens and teens understand the rules of the road when using instant messaging. Review the 10 tips for safer instant messaging from Microsoft for the entire family:

Communicating by using an instant messaging (IM) program has some of the same security and privacy risks as e-mail, but there are a few unique dangers that you should be aware of.

1. Never open pictures, download files, or click links in messages from people you don’t know. If they come from someone you do know, confirm with the sender that the message (and its attachments) is trustworthy. If it's not, close the instant message. See 5 steps to help avoid instant message viruses for more information.
   
   
2. Be careful when creating a screen name. Each IM program asks you to create a screen name, which is similar to an e-mail address. Your screen name should not provide or allude to personal information. For example, use a nickname such as SoccerFan instead of BaltimoreJenny.
   
   
3. Create a barrier against unwanted instant messaging. Do not list your screen name or e-mail address in public areas (such as large Internet directories or online community profiles) or give them to strangers.
   
   Some IM services link your screen name to your e-mail address when you register. The easy availability of your e-mail address can result in your receiving an increased number of spam and phishing
   
   
4. Never provide sensitive personal information, such as your credit card numbers or passwords, in an IM conversation.
   
   
5. Only communicate with people who are on your contact or buddy lists.
   
   
6. If you decide to meet a stranger that you know only from IM communication, take appropriate safety precautions. For example, do not meet that person alone, (take a friend or parent with you), and always meet and stay in a public place, such as a cafe.
   
   
7. Don't send personal or private instant messages at work. Your employer might have a right to view those messages.
   
   
8. If you use a public computer, do not select the feature that allows you to log on automatically. People who use that computer after you may be able to see and use your screen name to log on.
   
   
9. Monitor and limit your children's use of IM. One way to do this is to sign up for Windows Live OneCare Family Safety. If you use Windows Vista, it comes with parental controls built-in.
   
   For more information, see How Windows Vista can help you protect your kids online.
   
   
10. When you're not available to receive messages, be careful how you display this information to other users. For example, you might not want everyone on your contact list to know that you're "Out to Lunch."

For more information, read Control Your Online Status Using Windows Messenger and Set Your Online Status.

Remember - "A day without laughter is a day wasted."
May the wind sing to you and the sun rise in your heart...

Cyber Security Awareness Tip of the Day: October 15

Several years ago my daughter and her family were relocated to another state. When they lived nearby and were first learning about the computer and the Internet, my granddaughters would take turns sitting on my lap while I helped them navigate kid-friendly websites. I wish then I knew about the ALA Great Websites for Kids.

October 15 Tip of the Day

Create a bookmark folder of safe, kid-friendly websites. Here's a starter list:

• ALA Great Websites for Kids
• Cartoon Network
• Crayola
• Disney
• EGO
• National Geographic Kids
• Nick Jr
• PBS Kids
• Sesame Street

Remember - "A day without laughter is a day wasted."
May the wind sing to you and the sun rise in your heart...

Cyber Security Awareness Month

October is National Cyber Security Awareness Month. The purpose of Cyber Security Awareness is to call attention to the importance of protecting the online information of you and your family. As StaySafeOnline describes the goal:

"The goal of National Cyber Security Awareness Month is to educate everyday Internet users on how to "Protect Yourself Before You Connect Yourself", by taking simple and effective steps."

Therein begs the question: How can I protect myself before I connect?

In the Microsoft reference below, there are four suggested steps, the first three being to use a firewall, antivirus software, and antispyware software. The remaining recommendation by Microsoft is to turn on automatic updating.

Ensuring those steps are in place will provide your computer with the basic protection that is needed and are, of course, absolutely necessary. Is that sufficient? What else do you need to do? I like the way fellow Microsoft MVP, Harry Waldron explained that Security requires both technical defenses and user awareness:

"Home and corporate users cannot be expected to become security experts. Conversely if someone totally ignores the many dangerous security exposures, they will most likely experience technical issues with their PC or they could even become a victum of fraud. Instead, users should be taught the basic principles of risk avoidance and where to go to for help."

In recognition of Cyber Security Awareness Month, following is a collection of articles I have compiled that will provide both information as well as places to go for help so you can Protect Yourself Before You Connect Yourself.

Child Safety

As parents, grandparents and other family members, keeping our children safe online is paramount. The documents below contain information to sources providing guidance for protecting the privacy and personal safety of our children.

• Parental Guides for Child Safety
• Family Safe Computing & Microsoft

General Security

General security sites, including government as well as sites providing virus warnings and security advisories.

• U.K. and US Security Sites

Phishing

As Harry Waldron indicated in the article linked above:

"Many attacks user social and technical engineering approaches that can deceive even highly experienced users. For example, malware authors use embed actual HTML from the real websites or simulate Windows dialog boxes"

The social engineering techniques used by malware authors are particularly clever when it comes to phishing. Learn how to recognize a phish and protect yourself from potential identity theft.

• Protect Yourself or a Friend from Phishing & Fraud
• Recognize the 5 Most Common Types of E-mail Scams

Secure Your Wireless Network

As families add additional computers to the home environment, wireless networks are becoming very common. Don't let your wireless network be a source of data or identity theft. Be sure it is propery secured.

• How to secure a wireless network
• Securing Your Wireless Network
• Setting Up a Home Network with Windows Vista

Cyber Security Awareness References:

• BSA: The Fight for Cyber Space: Defeating Today's Cyber Criminals (PDF)
• Cyber Security Awareness Sponsor: StaySafeOnline
• Harry Waldron: Security requires both technical defenses and user awareness
• Homeland Security: National Cyber Security Awareness Month
• Microsoft: Cyber Security Month
  

Remember - "A day without laughter is a day wasted."
May the wind sing to you and the sun rise in your heart...

Parent's Guide to MySpace (Updated)

Blake Handler updated his excellent Parent's Guide to MySpace to incorporate the new MySpace features and how the MySpace account is configured. This is a "must read" by any parents of children active in the MySpace community.

For other parental tips, click on the "child safety" label at the end of this post.

Remember - "A day without laughter is a day wasted."
May the wind sing to you and the sun rise in your heart...

Zune Family Safety Tips

Recently I shared my excitement with my recent acquisition of a Zune in Tuned In to Zune! I assure you that the enjoyment I am getting has not diminished either.

For parents of teens with a Zune, you need to ensure that they are not exposed to inappropriate content. It is easy to follow the simple instructions to Configure your Zune family safety settings to protect your family. After setting up the settings, please take the time to share these 8 safety tips for using Zune Social with your teen:

Zune Social is a beta online community that is designed for use with Microsoft’s digital music player, Zune.

If you are over the age of 13, you can use Zune Social.

1. Don’t post personally identifiable information on your Zune Card.
2. Limit your Zune Card to friends only.
3. Don’t post personally identifiable information in the Zune Forums.
4. Never meet a person that you’ve met on Zune Social alone in the real world. If you are an adult and you feel that you must meet someone alone, meet in a public place.
5. Be cautious about sharing your feelings on Zune Social. Your Zune Card and the comments you post can say a lot about you. A predator can use this information to make you feel important or special as a way of getting your trust.
6. Be smart about your Zune Card background and picture. Photographs can reveal personal, identifiable information such as the name of your town or school on your clothing or the license plate number of your car.
7. If you feel threatened, report it immediately. You can report abuse of Zune Social by clicking the Report Abuse at the bottom of any page on Zune.net.
8. Use your real age in your Zune profile.

References:

8 safety tips for using Zune Social
Configure your Zune family safety settings
Zune Code of Conduct

Remember - "A day without laughter is a day wasted."
May the wind sing to you and the sun rise in your heart...

Shades of "Julie Amero"?

Because children flock to social networking sites like MySpace, perhaps time and effort would be better spent dealing with the many issues at MySpace, evidenced by the separate MySpace label used by Paperghost.

Via SunbeltBLOG:

"This time, the story is in Florida — and at a school that’s not too far from our own Sunbelt headquarters.

A school cop at Gulf Middle School, John Nohejl, created a MySpace page to educate kids about safety (with the support of the school). Well, as Wired puts it:

Gulf Middle School resource officer John Nohejl didn't have porn on his MySpace profile, and he didn't link to porn. But one of the 170-odd people on his friends list, which seems mostly populated by students at his school, had a link to a legal adult site. Now the New Port Richey Police Department and the Florida attorney general's elite cyber crimes unit are investigating him for making adult content available to underage children.

From press reports, the adult site linked seems to have been Amateur Match Free Sex, an Adult Friend Finder type of site. It’s well known to anyone on MySpace that affiliates of these types of outfits have been known to do bad things on MySpace (AFF recently settled with the FTC for such behavior). It could have even been a link in the comment of a Friend.

Oh, and after this broke, it was found that the school’s site itself had a link to gay porn. The principal is “outraged”. As Kevin Poulsen at Wired points out, does that mean he gets criminally investigated as well?"

References:

• Bad Link Closes School Web Site
• The Julie Group
• School Cop Investigated for Porn Link on Friend's MySpace Profile -- Updated
• School shuts down site over porn links
  
• SunbeltBLOG

Remember - "A day without laughter is a day wasted."
May the wind sing to you and the sun rise in your heart...

Setting Up The New Family Christmas Computer

There is no question that the Pytlovany family had a wonderful Christmas holiday, even though Bill reports that

Except for my new XO laptop, nobody I know received a new computer or laptop this Christmas.

Well, Bill, I know of at least three people with new laptops this Christmas and two were in my family. Our daughter has some things going on that require her to have more time on the family computer resulting in considerably less computer time for our oldest granddaughter for school work and IM'ing with friends. The youngest likes her share of computer time as well. As a result, Mom and Dad talked it over and decided to get both girls a new laptop for Christmas.

I suspect that there are other lucky families who got a new computer this Holiday, either for Christmas or during the Boxing Day sales. Windows Vista is an ideal operating system for a family, particularly families with children of differing ages.

With my granddaughters six years apart in age, the first thing I told my daughter about is the Parental Controls in Windows Vista. Copied here are links from Windows Vista Bookmarks of excellent information to help parents configure Windows Vista Parental Controls:

Parental Controls

• Family Safe Computing & Microsoft (MSDN Blog)
• How to configure Parental Controls in Windows Vista (3.5MB) (Vista4Beginners Video)
• How to view the Activity Reports (1.5MB) (Vista4Beginners Video)
  
• Internet Explorer Parental controls
• Parental Controls for Windows Vista (MSDN)
• Parent's Guide to Microsoft's Windows Vista (The Road to Know Where)
• Setting up Windows Vista Parental Controls (Bleeping Computer Tutorial)
• Use Windows Vista to help enforce limits on your children's computer use (Microsoft "Security Tips & Talk")

For parents, setting up the new computer will involve a bit of work at the beginning. The new computer needs the latest security updates installed, the Windows Firewall adjusted or a third party firewall installed. Antivirus software is needed as are user accounts for each member of the family. If the computer is to be part of a home network, see Setting Up a Home Network with Windows Vista.

There may also be additional security software to be installed as well but the most important action by parents is to establish the rules of the road for the children of the family. A lot of information is available at your finger tips to help you with this task. Most particularly, start with Do You Know Where Your Child Is? For additional helpful information, follow this link to other articles on Child Safety.

Microsoft has provided the Microsoft Holiday Support Center which provides self-help content related to Microsoft consumer products and technologies.

A computer is a wonderful source of knowledge and entertainment, but remember to "Keep Everything Clear of the Doors".

Remember - "A day without laughter is a day wasted."
May the wind sing to you and the sun rise in your heart...

Do You Know Where Your Child Is?

When I grew up, parental instructions were, "Be home by dark" and "Don't talk to strangers". We live in a much different world today. Although those same instructions may still be given, there are many more dangers to children today.

Just as we keep the roof patched on our house, provide warm coats and mittens, and try to get our children to eat a balanced diet, when it comes to children online, it is our obligation to first provide a safe environment. A good start is this 10-Minute guide for beginners, provided by *Get Safe Online:

"If you do nothing else, read this

This article contains a high level checklist of main actions that you need to take to protect your computer and key advice about protecting yourself from online criminals. It is a starting point, not a substitute for visiting the rest of the site."

As a parent and grandparent, I would also encourage regularly checking sites like Microsoft Canada's At Home site where these articles are currently highlighted:

	Online safety tips for kids ages 5 to 6
	Are your kids addicted to the Internet?
	Online safety tips for kids ages 2 to 4

A "must read" is Be Web Aware, The Be Web Aware project is a joint project sponsored by Bell Canada and Microsoft Canada and includes a wealth of information for families. The currently indexed topics are linked below with the references.

In the little over a year that I have been maintaining this blog, I have compiled quite a few other references for parents. They are all labeled "child safety" and are included in the references.

Please "Be Web Aware" and keep your children safe online.

References:

• Hat tip to Nellie2 for the information on Get Safe Online.
• Be Web Aware:

  
  Internet 101
  FAQ
  Online searching
  Kid-friendly sites
  Technological tools
  
  
  Ages 2-4
  Ages 5-7
  Ages 8-10
  Ages 11-13
  Ages 14-17
  
  
  Privacy invasions
  Pornography
  Cyber bullying
  Online predators
  Spam
  Misinformation
  Violent or hateful content
  Gambling
  Internet addiction
  
  
  Report online problems
  Community involvement

• Resources for Parents, Teachers and Young People
• Microsoft Canada, Security at Home
• Security Garden Child Safety Articles
  

Remember - "A day without laughter is a day wasted."
May the wind sing to you and the sun rise in your heart...