Need helpful advice for using Internet for first time.

16 years ago

My sister, for the first time at 56, just got a new computer. She knows nothing about computers or the Internet. I have given her some basic advice like, don't give out any personal information to strangers like phone number or address. And especially financial!

And to be careful what she posts on forums, because it will be out in cyber space forever. So don't say anything really specific about her boss or fellow employees. You never know who will be reading it and it could come back and bite you.

I have been using the Internt since it became public so learned as I went. It all seems like second nature to me now so hard to pin down what to do and not to do. What have you learned over the years in regards to safe surfing on the net?

Thanks.

Clare

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Comments (14)

kayjones
16 years ago
First and foremost - give a pseudo name and location when using the internet. It's called a 'cyber' name and is essential to her safety on many levels.

Secondly, don't use your real name for a forum name - be original and use a hobby, pet's name and birth date - doing something like this prevents identifying who she really is.
Toni S
16 years ago
I kind of look at the internet as an extension of myself, the part someone can take and show anyone. If what I put out there can cause me grief , say someone sees a message I didn't intend for them to see, I have only myself to blame. Kinda like how I treat my dh or family, I try not to say anything that I will regret and cannot change later.

My boss, my friends, anyone can come on and read, why take a chance?

As far as giving out personal info, blame Heyjude for starting the downward spiral of the KT privacy. She really takes her chances, she even left an axe barrel out for us nuts. Then we were forced to give out our addresses and phone numbers to each other. It's her fault I now have a KT file in my cabinet. :D evil grin.
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bunny_lover
16 years ago
Don't believe everything you read on the Internet! Sounds silly but oh so true!
susanjf_gw
16 years ago
i often check stories going around before passing anything on (re some of the political junk) hoax's are as bad as spam, to me...

i've met my closest cyber pals...but we also don't post on public forums...
FlamingO in AR
16 years ago
When I first got on the internet, I remember being shocked that everything was so available to me for FREE! I remember being worried that I would stumble into something and it would end up costing me a lot of money. It took a long time for me to figure out that if something was going to cost me, I'd know it.

Tell her to be sure to only use secured websites if she's ordering something, to look for the yellow address link and the little lock.

Also- to set a couple of email addys- one specifically for junk mail that she'll get when she signs up at certain websites. Not to use her "good one" for stuff like that. I use a yahoo email addy for that kind of thing and when the spam gets to me, I just change it.

One more thing- having an unusual email addy slows down the spam. If my email was ssmith@yahoo.com I would get a ton of email. If it was esssmith, not so much. A gibberish word is harder for them to stumble upon.
hayjud_mn
16 years ago
Ahhhhhhhh! EEEEvilll kackle!!!!!!!
LOL

I really don't remember Toni putting her ax in that barrell.....

...... BUT we're all so gullible, we let her stay anyway!

I'll NEVER forget the panic in my kids about that get together. It sure was fun!

But even so, there have been some people, even here on this site that I would not trust. Only people who we got to know very well. OH! That is so completely against what we teach our kids not to do. Oh, woe is we!!!! LOL

Almost everything I know about the computer I learned here at the KT and the computer Helps forums.

I am still very much afraid of buying on the net, and anytime I need to fill in information, I back out of the site and decide I can do fine without it.

Your sis is about the same age I was. I would never want to be w/o my computer.

I claim innocent by means of "companion induced insanity!"
Hayjud
Chemocurl zn5b/6a Indiana
16 years ago
Beware of anything that is free...free coupons, free smileys, free samples, music, winning things...surveys....all a way to get info and SPAM.

Stop, think, and or ask b4 doing 'downloads' and most importantly beware of look alike sites.

example freecreditreport.com versus the 'real' site to get them for free.

Maybe give her a link to the Computer Help forum here at GW. We are ready to help there...I can even help with some of the most basic of things.

mAYBE show her about snopes.com...and all the scary things that are 'out there' that just aren't so.
caflowerluver
Original Author
16 years ago
Thanks everyone for the tips. A lot of it is common sense but you can get overwhelmed at first. I sure made a lot of mistakes in the beginning.

What is so nice about the KT forum is I do feel safe here. I can't say that about a lot of other forums I have been on.
Clare
mtnwomanbc
16 years ago
Some other tips:

I have one credit card I use exclusively for all online purchases and bill pays, whether directly via a secure website or via google or paypal. That way if damage is done (which hasn't happened in over 11 years of online purchases), it will only be a problem with the one CC.

Also, have her be careful with any organizations she belongs to -- although well meaning, they may post names, addresses, phone, and email addresses in a downloadable PDF file on a website. They or she may not know that web searches also pick up text in PDF files.

Any passwords she sets up should not use birthdates or other sensitive information. Passwords should include both letters and numbers for greater security. She should store her passwords in a Word or other text file, and then password protect the file itself. And of course, password protect the computer startup as well. Do I sound paranoid?

One other thing...she should make sure that the popup blocker is enabled. Otherwise she'll be inundated with Honey Bunches of Oats or South Beach advertisements!

A lot of community colleges have new user internet classes. That could be informative and fun.
jel48
16 years ago
Run an anti-virus and, if possible, some sort of internet security package. I use Norton's but there are other good ones out there as well. Faithfully update them.
jel48
16 years ago
Forgot to include - run your Windows firewall and install Windows fixes as they become available. A lot of them are security related.
jel48
16 years ago
Me again.... sorry to keep adding additional posts, and I'm not even a regular poster here. Just come in and read ever so often and post occasionally. But... don't use the same password for every internet site that is password protected. Use at least 3 or 4 different passwords (more if you can keep track of them). Change them at least occasionally. Don't make them too obvious. Use a mixture of letters and numbers.
patti43
16 years ago
Never give your social security number or the password to your e-mail address. We ordered (on-line) a TV from a local store and I had to call an 800 number for delivery. The man I talked to definitely had an accent so I ask where he was located. He said he was in "the islands". As I was giving him our address, etc., he asked for my e-mail address. That's pretty normal. Then he said he needed the password. I asked him why in the world he would need that. He got a little huffy and said if I didn't give him the password, they couldn't deliver it the next day. I said, "You know what? Just cancel the whole order because I'm NOT giving you my password and I'm calling my local store." It was late by then and the next morning (early) the phone rang and it was the delivery people wanting directions. Go figure. I did call the store to report him though. They didn't seem that surprised.

Also, don't use the same password for everything, but keep a list close by so you'll know left from right--haha!
msmarion
16 years ago
And never open emails from anyone you don't know. That's where viruses come from. When in doubt delete it.

Need helpful advice for using Internet for first time.

Comments (14)

kayjones

Toni S

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