An Accessible On Ramp

1. An Accessible On Ramp To The Information Highway

2. Lesson 4D Web Safety

3. Website Safety Many of the problems that can happen with email can happen with websites: • Websites can be spoofs • Websites can be designed for phishing • Websites can cause spam • Websites can spread viruses

4. Logging Out • If you use websites where you have to log in or register, be sure to log off or sign out when you are finished. Don’t just close the browser without doing this. • This is especially important on public computers, but it’s a good idea to be careful all the time.

5. Finding the Sign Out Link • It can be hard to find the sign out or log out link or button. • Usually it’s at the top of the screen, but sometimes it’s at the bottom of a left menu or somewhere else. • The next slide shows some examples of Sign Out and Log Out (or Log Off) links and buttons.

7. Spoof Sites • Some websites pretend to be the sites of companies that do business on the Internet. • They may be trying to steal your money or your identity. • Others pretend to be from politicians or other people. They are usually meant to spread lies about one person or about a group of people.

8. Other Misleading Websites • Some websites do not pretend to be a different site, but they are not open about who is paying for them or doing the work for them. • Any time you see a website about ideas, politics, or products, it is good to check to see whose website it is.

9. Checking Out a Website • Most websites have an About Us section with a button or a link. • In that section, you should be able to find out where the site gets its money and who works on it. • If you can’t find that information anywhere, be suspicious about the site – an honest site should want to tell you these things.

10. Going to a Questionable Website • When you aren’t sure about a site, don’t go to it by using a link in an email or on another site. • Instead, use the URL if you are sure what it is. • Otherwise, do a search for the company or organization. Usually you can figure out which site is actually the one you are looking for. Click on the link in the Search results.

11. Downloads • Downloading means taking content from the Internet and putting it on your computer. • Downloading is an important way to keep your computer up to date and to get programs that you want or need. • BUT downloading can also be dangerous.

12. Problems with Downloads • Downloads can put viruses and other bad things onto your computer. • Sometimes a downloaded program can cause problems with other programs you already have. • Sometimes a downloaded program will do things you did not expect. • Sometimes it is very hard to get rid of (uninstall) a downloaded program.

13. Spyware • Spyware puts a hidden program on your computer that collects information and sends it back to someone. • Spyware can be very dangerous. • You usually can’t tell there is spyware on your computer unless you run a special program to find it.

14. Adware • Adware puts advertizing on your computer. • If you have a lot of ads popping up and making it hard to use your computer, you probably have Adware.

15. Dealing with Adware and Spyware • You can install programs that help protect your computer from these problems. • You can also get programs that help get rid of the problems. • Get help for doing these things from someone who knows what they are doing! • Mostly, avoid downloads that may cause these problems.

16. Downloads to Be Extra Careful About Certain kinds of downloads are especially likely to cause problems. • Wallpaper • Emoticons • Music and lyrics • Movies • Games But always be careful – any kind of download could have spyware or adware or another problem.

17. What If You’re Not Sure? • One thing you can do is do a search on the item you are thinking about downloading. • Very often, if it is a bad download, people will have posted warnings about it. • But you can’t absolutely count on this. The search can tell you “no”, but it can’t tell you the download is safe.

18. You Do Have to Download • If you are using a public computer, you probably can’t download anything. Downloads are blocked. If you need a download, talk to the person in charge. • On your own computer you do need downloads sometimes. You need to update your programs, and sometimes you need to add programs. This is okay, but get help if you are not sure about a download.

19. Program updates • Your computer may be set to do some updates automatically. This is fine. • For most other updates you will get a screen that lets you do it now or later. • If you are not sure, just click Later and then get help.

20. Don’t Be Afraid to Ask for Help • Many people with and without disabilities have questions about using a computer and the Internet. • Never be afraid or embarrassed to ask questions. • The saying “Better safe than sorry” is very true when you’re dealing with the Internet!