The Norman Transcript

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Discussion

March 10, 2013

Draw your line in the Internet sand

The Norman Transcript

NORMAN — If you use a computer, wow, have I got a good deal for you: come to the Norman Public Library Tuesday, March 26th at 6:30 p.m. and I will teach you how to use it safely, to keep the Internet bad guys out of your life.

In my free class called “Fight The Internet Bad Guys and Win,” you will get the knowledge and access to the tools that will help you stay safe and secure on the Internet. Reserve your seat by calling the library at 405-701-2697, or visit their website at www.justsoyouknow.us for more information.

I see far too many people on a regular basis who are being bullied by Internet criminals. The Internet bad guys, and other miscreants of their ilk, prey upon the lack of technical sophistication common to most computer and Internet users.

The bad guys exploit these weaknesses for their own financial gain, with many of their victims clueless as to what has occurred, or what to do about it. This bothers me greatly, as most Internet safety and security precautions are easy to implement; easy, that is, as long as you know what they are, but few people know how to find out what they are.

Have you ever wondered why sometimes you click on something, yet nothing seems to happen? Or, maybe something does seem to happen, but it flashes by so quickly that you can’t tell what’s going on? Could someone be trying to fool you?

Why does your computer keep showing crazy virus messages, even though you just paid $50 to renew your antivirus software? Why do windows from porno websites keep popping up, even though you’ve never been to a porno website in your life? Who did these things and how can they be stopped?

How did your home page get changed to some weird search website called “Conduit?” Should you send money to rescue your nephew, who has been stranded in Spain and robbed at gunpoint? Are there really Internet auction websites where you can buy an iPad for $20? Is online gambling safe?

Can some “PC Automatic” program really fix my computer with a single mouse-click? Why do I have to put up with pesky updates every time I turn around? Can the government really protect me against international hackers? Am I OK to ignore Internet safety because, “There’s nothing important on my computer?”

Education provides the answers to these questions, and more. Take a class. Read a book about Internet safety. Don’t be bullied. Take a stand and draw your line in the Internet sand. You took the time to learn how to safely drive your car. Take the time to learn how to safely drive your computer, and be happy.

Dave Moore has been performing computer consulting, repairs, security and networking in Oklahoma since 1984. He also teaches computer safety workshops for public and private organizations. He can be reached at 405-919-9901 or www.davemoorecomputers.com.

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