Computer

Safety

Learn the Terms

Internet Safety Basics

•Never share names, schools, ages, phone numbers, or addresses. •Never open an email from a stranger – it may contain viruses that can harm a computer. •Never send pictures to strangers or view pictures that strangers send. •Keep passwords private (except to parents). •Tell a trusted adult if something mean or creepy happens on the Internet.

Being responsible -- and safer -- online •Visit age-appropriate sites•Minimize chatting with strangers.•Think critically about what you find online.•If you wouldn’t do it in real life, you shouldn’t do it online.•Limit the amount of time online and places you visit.•Agree on downloads with your parent/guardian.•Report bad behavior to a trusted adult.

Computer Terms

•*Adware: A type of software that often comes with free downloads. •Anti-virus Software: Protects your computer from viruses •*Backing up: Making copies of computer data in case something happens to your machine•*Bandwidth: A measure of the "speed" of an Internet connection.•Bookmark: A web browser feature that allows you to save the addresses of interesting or frequently used websites•*Browser: A program that allows a user to find, view, hear, and interact with material on the internet.

Computer Terms•Cookies: A small text file that a website can place on your computer's hard drive to collect information •*Cyberbullying: Bullying or harassment that takes place online•*Cyberspace: computer-based world.•*Download: To copy files from one computer to another over the internet.•Drive-by Download: Software that installs on your computer without your knowledge• *Encryption: The scrambling of data into a secret code

Computer Terms•Filter: Software that screens information on the internet•Firewall: Hardware or software that blocks unauthorized communications to or from your computer•Hacking: Breaking into a computer or network•Hardware: The mechanical parts of a computer system•*Intellectual property: Creative products that have commercial value, including copyrighted property •Internet Protocol (IP): The computer language that allows computer programs to communicate over the internet.•*IP Address: A computer's "address”

Computer Terms•Malware: Short for "malicious software;" includes viruses and spyware that steal personal information, send spam and commit fraud. •*Netiquette: The informal rules of internet courtesy•*Network: A group of two or more computers.•*Password: A secret word or phrase used with a user name to grant access to your computer•Personal information: Data that can be used to identify you•*Phishing: When scam artists send spam, pop-ups or text messages to trick you into disclosing personal, financial or other sensitive information.

Computer Terms•Pop-up Messages or Ads: Unsolicited advertising •Profile: A personal page you create on a social networking or other website•*Security software: Identifies and protects against threats or vulnerabilities that may compromise your computer•Spammer: Someone who sends unsolicited commercial email•*Spyware: Software installed on your computer without your consent•Social networking site: A website that allows you to build a profile •*Software: A computer program with instructions that enable the computer hardware to work.

Computer Terms•*Spam: Unsolicited commercial email•*Upload: To copy or send files or data from one computer to another.•*User name: An alias used with a password to grant access to accounts and websites.•*Virus: Malware that sneaks onto your computer and then makes copies of itself.•*Wireless Network: accessing the internet without being linked by cables.•World Wide Web: An internet system which distributes information through a browser.•*Worm: A program that reproduces itself over a network