CUSTOMER SERVICE ~ TECH SUPPORT HELP

No doubt all of us have tried to call the customer service or tech support departments in any number of companies, only to waste time listening to music we don’t like and waiting to be told which button to push to continue on thru a maze of other numbers in the hopes of maybe getting thru to a live person that can help us…

Next time, before you make that call, you might want to check out these two websites, that can help you to maneuver thru these mazes. Both of these websites, list the correct phone numbers for countless companies and they also will give you the correct button sequences to get you through to a live person much more quickly.

The websites are:

Get Human - www.gethuman.com

Dial A Human - www.dialahuman.com

Before you make that call - also consider another option "Instant Messaging" that is offered by many companies directly on their websites. Yes, many companies today offer us the ability to “instant message their customer service and or tech support personnel” directly from their companies website..

If this is an option, try it. Most of us find this much more effective than waiting on the telephone - because you can converse "via typing" back and forth with this individual.. I also like this because I can then highlight our conversation - copy it - and save it in my PC Problem folder that I've created in My Documents for reference in the future...

Instant messaging also allows you the option to immediately attach documents that they can read - so you can scan in a document you might want them to see and then attach it during your "instant messaging conversation" or if it's a computer problem – this option also allows you the ability to “take a picture of what’s on your monitor” by using the CTRL + PRNT SCREEN Key and then pasting the photo in word and saving it in a PC problem folder you’ve created, so that while you are “talking/instant messaging the tech support person, you can attach the document that will show him/her the problem or error message you are getting…

Technology can be frustrating, but if you know what to do you can use it all to your advantage..

Hello from the Mohave Community College Library

Greetings from Hodel Library on the Lake Havasu Campus of Mohave Community College!

It’s still too hot to spend much time outside here in Lake Havasu, so come by the Library to check out a book or audio book to enjoy inside. No matter where you are, you can always visit our website at Mohave.edu/library to take a look at some of the great databases we have to offer. You can look at Consumer Reports and many other popular magazines for free.

Just call me (Wendi) at 928-453-5809 or email me at wbirkhead@mohave.edu and I can explain to you how to access the databases (it’s easy – I promise!). Or, you can come on by and visit with us in person at Mohave Community College at 1977 Acoma Blvd. West (we’re located toward the back of the campus, not far from the 500 Building). Remember, the Hodel Library is open to everyone!

So please feel free to call us if you have any questions - again our number is 928-453-5809 and of course we hope you will come by and visit with us in person.. or email me directly at wbirkhead@mohave.edu. Let us know how we can help.

Enjoy what's left of your summer and for all our winter residents, safe travles and we can't wait for your return to the MCC Campus and Lake Havasu City...

Wendi Birkhead, MLSCampus Librarian

Hodel Library - Lake Havasu City Campus
Mohave Community College
1977 W. Acoma Blvd, LHC, AZ 86403
Tel 928-453-5809
Fax 928-453-8335
Toll Free: 1.866.664.2832
wbirkhead@mohave.edu or www.mohave.edu/library

Windows Explorer-The computers filing cabinet

Windows Explorer is an application software program available in all Windows Operating Systems that allows you to find anything on your computer.

To me, Windows Explorer is like looking at various file cabinets and what's in those file cabinet drawers to find everything I've saved on my computer.. It allows us to to easily copy documents, photos, music, videos from one folder to another or to back up my folders onto a flash drive or portable hard drive..

Windows Explorer is typically listed in the Program list under Accessories, but for the easiest access no matter what program you are in, just use your keyboard shortcut:
Windows Flag Key + E .

When you use Windows Explorer, you can see all the documents stored on your computer (or your network), which makes it easy to select documents, folders, travel drives, digital cameras portable hard drives to work with them.

Windows Explorer uses the same “folder system” you would in a “filing cabinet”. Folders and sub-folders are "containers" to store documents (files). The folders that Windows creates for you are named My Documents, My Music, My Pictures & My Videos. They get their names from the fact that you use them as follows:

My Documents: Use this folder to store other types of documents you save, such as typed text or spreadsheets

• My Music: Use this folder to store music you copy to your computers


• My Pictures: Use this folder to store pictures, such as those you get from a camera or scanner, or from the Internet


• My Videos: Use this folder to store videos, such as those you get from a video camera, emails or from the Internet

In Windows XP and older operating systems you will see that you must open the My Documents drawer to see the other master folders, such as My Music, My Pictures, My Scans, My Videos...

In Windows Vista and Windows 7 Operating Systems, the Master folder is called a Library and in that you will find each of the individual master folders, including My Documents, My Music, My Pictures, My Scans, My Videos..

For those of you using MAC’s – you now have Macintosh Explorer – check it out at www.ragesw.com/products/explorer.html

CTRL + F - Keyboard shortcut to find specific words

By now, most of you know how much I enjoy using “Keyboard Shortcuts” which make doing certain functions a little easier - and I like easy - but they do allow us to give a command and get results quickly and easily…

To me CTRL + F is one of those keyboard shortcuts that I think you will use as often as I do, which is “all the time”

Most of us spend time looking for documents or other things on our computer because we can’t remember what we named them – but we do remember words specific in that document – report, spreadsheet, letter – whatever… Well if you haven’t tried this keyboard shortcut before – give it a try…

This great keyboard shortcut works in almost every application (Microsoft Word, Microsoft Excel, Microsoft Power Point, with all major browsers, Notepad, Word Pad and many other application software programs... Simply type the keyboard shortcut Ctrl + F (F for Find) to find a word or series of characters.

Give it a try right now while you are on the internet—search for the word “keyboard” in the next section.

Surf the Internet and use some favorite shortcuts

Just a few reminders to use some of the "basic" keystrokes & keyboard shortcuts so that when you are surfing the Internet - it will be easier and more enjoyable.....

• "F5" REFRESH KEY – using this function key will “reconnect" you to a website to update all the information


• "F11” FUNCTION KEY – (or Menu Bar, View, FULL SCREEN)- This is a “toggle button/key” so you can go back and forth for Full Screen which CONDENSES your toolbar at the top OR Normal Screen with All Toolbars at top and Task Bar at bottom…


• CTRL AND + OR – KEYS – Allow you to quickly and easily enlarge the screen when you are on the Internet OR use the Zoom Icon/drop down menu on the status bar at the bottom of your screen or go to your Command Bar, Page and Zoom-and change the size there - remember this doesn't change text size, it simply magnifies whats on your monitor when you are on the Internet so that it is easier to read..


• CTRL PLUS LEFT CLICKING THE “HYPERLINK” YOU WANT TO OPEN – this allows you to leave the page you are on open and it forces open another new tab so you toggle between both websites


• TABBING & FAVORITES/BOOKMARKS – these features allow you to easily multi-task and toggle from one website to another without having to “sign in” repeatedly and to visit websites you visit often

When you can't cancel a print job..

From time to time there will be print jobs that just won’t seem to delete no matter how we try to cancel or delete the print job - whether we try to cancel:

• By using the cancel on the printer OR

• From the Printer in the Start Menu OR

• Using the Printer Icon & Menu from the system try (bottom right corner of the monitor above the clock)

Don’t panic – try the following – which usually corrects the problem …

In Windows XP

• Go to Control Panel

• Select Administrative Tools

• Double-click on Services (Icon is usually 2 gears)

• When the list of services appear, scroll down until you find one called "Print Spooler"

• Highlight this service option – and on the left column choose "Restart"

• The "deleted" jobs will disappear and any queued jobs in your print queue will print

In Windows Vista

• Go to Control Panel

• Select System and Maintenance

• Select Administrative Tools

• Double-click on Services

• When the service list appears, scroll down until you find one called "Print Spooler"

• Right-click on "Print Spooler" and select "Restart"

Success - the "deleted" jobs will disappear and any jobs waiting in your print queue will now print

Annual Credit Report

This is the official website to check your credit report for free...

http://www.annualcreditreport.com/

AnnualCreditReport.com is the official site to help consumers to obtain their free credit report - You are entitled to receive one free credit report every 12 months from each of the nationwide consumer credit reporting companies – Equifax, Experian and TransUnion. This free credit report can be requested through this website, by phone or by mail.

Each person is entitled to receive one free credit report every 12 months from each of the nationwide consumer credit reporting companies through the Central Source. It is entirely your choice whether you order all three credit reports at the same time or order one now and others later. The advantage of ordering all three at the same time is that you can compare them. (However, you will not be eligible for another free credit report from the Central Source for 12 months.) On the other hand, the advantage of ordering one now and others later (for example, one credit report every four months) is that you can keep track of any changes or new information that may appear on your credit report. So if you order from only one company today you can still order from the other two companies at a later date

The addresses for the credit reporting agencies are listed below:

Equifax
P.O. Box 740256
Atlanta, Georgia 30374

Experian
P.O. Box 9554
Allen, Texas 75013

TransUnion
P.O. Box 6790
Fullerton, CA 92834

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Website for Internet Safety Tips (FBI)

One of the most common questions and/or concerns we hear from our students is that of protecting themselves online from privacy theft or internet fraud..
The FBI has a great website that is updated continually about the latest scams – but the following link is to their section specifically designed for all of us “older adults” to help ensure that we can surf the web safely and enjoy the internet.. Check it out and add it to your favorites… Goal is to give you recommendation to protect yourself, your identity and your money!!!

www.fbi.gov/scams-safety/fraud/seniors/seniors#target

Some basic tips:

• Never respond directly to an internet ad via their “Link”


• Do not respond to unsolicited advertisements


• Be suspicious of anyone claiming that you can own a home with no down payment


• Do not sign anything that you do not fully understand


• Do not accept payment from individuals for a home you did not purchase


• Seek out your own reverse mortgage counselor


• Trust your gut - if it feels too good to be true, it probably is!!!


• Talk to family & friends first - ask for their recommendations

Safelink - A free cell phone for seniors

You may want to check out “SAFELINK” wireless which is offered to seniors for free – many of our students have taken advantage of this program, so check it out… It is a very basic phone, but wonderful to have in an emergency…

This is the link to their website…

http://www.safelinkwireless.com/

This is the initial introduction made on their webpage – so once again, check it out…

SAFELINK WIRELESS® service is U.S. government supported program for Income eligible households provided by TracFone Wireless, Inc. In order to participate in the SAFELINK WIRELESS® service, persons must meet certain eligibility requirements set by each State where the service is to be provided. These requirements are based on a person’s participation in a state or Federal support programs or by meeting the Income Poverty Guidelines as defined by the U.S. Government. SAFELINK WIRELESS® service is limited to one person per household

For those of you who already have a Safelink cell phone, remember to leave the phone on the first 3 days of the month so that you get your minutes – and if you forget to leave your phone on, your minutes are there waiting for you - to retrieve them to your phone, follow these simple steps...

You may retrieve your Monthly Minutes by following these instructions:
1. Press the MENU key.
2. "Prepaid" will be displayed across your screen.
3. Press OK or SELECT.
4. Go to "Redeem Airtime" or “Add Airtime."
5. Press OK or SELECT.
6. If your screen displays a message, go down and press OK until you see “Card #” or “Airtime PIN.”
7. Enter 555 and press OK.
8. If you are prompted for a promo code, press NO.

You will receive your Minutes shortly.

Router or Modem – What’s the difference?

Routers and modems are “hardware” – They are individual devices with very distinct and separate functions.

A ROUTER is not really essential for internet communication. It is still possible to connect to the internet without routers just like in the old days with internal PCI modems. But you should remember that the main job of the router is to protect you from possible threats and malware, and this shouldn’t be taken very lightly

A MODEM, is the device (or piece of hardware) that allows us to connect our computers – either wired or wirelessly – to the internet. Typically, the modem you use will be provided by your internet provider – you can purchase your own, but be sure that the model you choose will work with the connection from your internet provider (telecommunication company, cable company or satellite provider) before making the purchase. Without a modem, you cannot connect to the internet.

More and more often today, you can purchase combined router/modems so that you don’t have to have 2 separate devices in your work area, such as wi-fi modems that are equipped with routing capabilities which can be wireless or wired or both. There’s no question that in the future, there will be no practical need for cables anymore and all wi-fi modems will also have wifi router functions.

What does Download & Upload mean?

When we “download” something – we are bringing “it” from the source we are connected to on the Internet to our computer. Such as, we might "download" music, videos or photos from a website we are visiting to our computer so that we can save it for future use. It is very common today to purchase software from an online store or source and then “download” the software to our computer. In all cases – when you download something – the original remains at the source you are copying it from. You are downloading a copy - never the original.

When we “upload” something we are sending a copy of “it” from our computer to the source we are connected to on the Internet…- such as when we want to order or share photos, we will “upload them” or send a copy of them to Walgreens, CVS or Picasa web albums so that we can then access them from anywhere in the world; when you add an "attachment" to an email, a copy of the original is being "uploaded" and attached it your email.. In all cases – when you upload something – the original remains on your computer – it is simply a copy of that original that is uploaded and sent to the source

What is an IP address?

We hear the expression all the time - but maybe you aren't quite sure what it is.

The IP address is your computer “internet protocol” address. The IP address is a 4-part electronic Serial number, such as: 201.2.312.66 – and you notice that each of the four parts or sections are separated with “.” a period...

Every computer, cell phone, ipad, smartphone etc. are assigned at least one IP address and no two devices in the world have the same IP address. These IP addresses are assigned for tracking and accountability/identification purposes.

Whenever we are on the internet or using cell services and make a connection, the IP address acts very much like the tags on our cars, to enforce accountability and traceability.

What is a URL?

A URL, like so many computer related terms, is a commonly used computer acronym which means:

Uniform resource locators

URL’s are your web browsers addresses of the Internet pages and files. The URL works with your IP addresses to help locate specific pages and files for your web browser (Internet Explorer, Chrome, Firefox, Safari or Opera)..

URL’s have 3 sections to address a web page or file:

1. 
   
   The protocol, which is the section ending in //:


2. 
   
   The host computer, which ends in the domain tag .com, .net, .org


3. 
   
   And of course the web page address itself:
   
   Such as: http://www.golakehavasu.com/visitors/where-to-stay/hotels.html

Internet - Online quizzes and surveys

Quizzes and surveys you find online, including those on social networking websites like Facebook, Twitter and others are usually entertaining and may seem like a harmless pastime.

But remember quiz and survey companies are for-profit businesses. So consumer information about you and I are a definite commodity, and I think we should always assume that information that we enter when we are taking these quizzes and surveys, is going to be sold – and also assume you have no idea, and therefore no control, over who the information will be sold to..

Some websites allow users to create their own quizzes and surveys but in most cases they are still making money from the answers.

Just by reviewing the types of surveys or quizzes you take, a criminal may learn a great deal. Answering if you’re Hot or Not, a Fashion Disaster or Diva provides not only businesses in the fashion or teen magazine industries with information, it also provides information to a potential predator about topics that interest you. Some quizzes and your answers get displayed on your social networking sites, which is something to consider carefully if your site is publicly viewable as your answers may expose personal information to a criminal.

Quizzes and surveys on senior social networking sites are typically more financially or medically invasive. For example, the information from a medical quiz may be passed directly to pharmaceutical companies, online drugstores, or insurance companies. After answering a quiz you may find you receive spam targeted to your medical conditions or financial interests.
Make sure you understand the reputation, privacy policies, and terms of use of the site creating or hosting the quizzes.

Before taking any quiz or survey consider the answers to the following questions:

• Why did the company create this quiz?



• What will they do with the information?



• Who will see my answers?

Personally I never participate in any online quizzes and surveys – it’s hard enough to control my personal information and privacy online, and it’s also quite easy to be “tricked”, so I don’t feel it’s worth taking the chance… but it’s a personal choice..

Happy 4th of July To Everyone

Have a wonderful 4th of July/Independence Day Holiday...

"The day will be the most memorable in the history of America. I am apt to believe it will be celebrated by succeeding generations as the great anniversary festival... It ought to be solemnized with pomp and parade, with shows, games, sports, guns, bells, bonfires and illuminations from one end of this continent to the other, from this time forward for ever more." – John Adams, July 3, 1776

Independence Day is the national day of the United States, which is commonly associated with fireworks, parades, barbecues, carnivals, fairs, picnics, concerts, baseball games, family reunions, political speeches and ceremonies, and various other public and private events celebrating the history, government, and traditions of the United States.

4th of July – Independence Day Holiday Trivia & Facts…

• The major objection to being ruled by Britain was taxation without representation. The colonists had no say in the decisions of English Parliament



• In May, 1776, after nearly a year of trying to work our their differences with England, the colonies sent delegates to the Second Continental Congress. Finally, in June, admitting that their efforts were hopeless, a committee was formed to compose the formal Declaration of Independence. Headed by Thomas Jefferson, the committee also included John Adams, Benjamin Franklin, Philip Livingston and Roger Sherman. On June 28, 1776, Thomas Jefferson presented the first draft of the declaration to Congress



• Betsy Ross, according to legend, sewed the first American flag in May or June 1776, as commissioned by the Congressional Committee



• Independence Day was first celebrated in Philadelphia on July 8, 1776



• The Liberty Bell sounded from the tower of Independence Hall on July 8, 1776, summoning citizens to gather for the first public reading of the Declaration of Independence by Colonel John Nixon



• On June 14, 1777, the Continental Congress, looking to promote national pride and unity, adopted the national flag. "Resolved: that the flag of the United States be thirteen stripes, alternate red and white; that the union be thirteen stars, white in a blue field, representing a new constellation."



• The first public Fourth of July event at the White House occured in 1804



• The first Independence Day celebration west of the Mississippi occured at Independence Creek and was celebrated by Lewis and Clark in 1805



• On June 24, 1826, Thomas Jefferson sent a letter to Roger C. Weightman, declining an invitation to come to Washington, D.C., to help celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence. It was the last letter that Jefferson, who was gravely ill, ever wrote



• Both Thomas Jefferson and John Adams, died on Independence Day, July 4, 1826



• In 1941, Congress declared July 4 a federal legal holiday



• The 56 signers of the Declaration of Independence did not sign at the same time, nor did they sign on July 4, 1776. The official event occurred on August 2, 1776, when 50 men signed it. Later that year, five more signed separately and one added his name in a later year. Thomas McKean was the last to sign in January, 1777



• The origin of Uncle Sam probably began in 1812, when Samuel Wilson was a meat packer who provided meat to the US Army. The meat shipments were stamped with the initials, U.S. Someone joked that the initials stood for "Uncle Sam". This joke eventually led to the idea of Uncle Sam symbolizing the United States government

TIPS TO TAKE GREAT FIREWORK PHOTOS

By Suzanne Kantra, Techlicious.com (July 2011)

Wanted to be sure you didn't miss this great article, which was posted on the following website... some great tips to help with taking awesome photos of fireworks-have a safe & happy 4th of July holiday...

COPIED FROM: http://digitallife.today.com/_news/2011/06/30/6976038-take-sparkling-photos-on-the-fourth-of-july?gt1=43001

Heading out with the family for HOLIDAY fireworks celebrations is a time-honored tradition. And, if you're like me, you enjoy capturing those memories in pictures. But photographing fireworks with no camera shake and proper exposure is difficult, unless you know these simple tricks.

1. Use a tripod
When you take picture of fireworks, the camera needs to hold the shutter open long enough to “see” the fireworks. The longer the shutter is open, the more susceptible your photo is to motion blur. So use a tripod to make sure there’s no movement. For open areas, use a stand-alone model with telescoping legs like the Dolica AX620B100 Proline ($36 on amazon.com). A more mobile option is the Joby Gorillapod original ($19.95 on joby.com), which can wrap around trees and poles or stand up on the ground.

2. Use the “fireworks” scene mode
Most point-and-shoot cameras have a button or dial with “SCN” or “Scene” on it. Otherwise you’ll find it under the “menu” button. When you put your camera in scene mode, a list of the available modes will pop up on screen. Select the one that looks like a spray of fireworks and/or says "fireworks". Most cameras sold today have a "fireworks" option for scenes. Some models I recommend include the Canon PowerShot A3300IS (an affordable 16MP camera with a 5x lens, $179 on usa.canon.com), Panasonic Lumix DMC-TS3 (an extremely rugged 12MP camera, $399 on panasonic.com) and the Fujifilm FinePix HS20 (a 16MP camera with a monster 30x wide-angle lens, $425 on amazon.com).

3. If your camera doesn’t have a “fireworks” mode, put it in “landscape” mode
Your camera automatically tries to find an object on which to focus. And when presented with a black featureless sky, the camera doesn’t know what to do. By putting your camera in “landscape” mode, you’ll be presetting the focus to infinity and narrowing the lens opening, which keeps both near and far objects in focus.

4. Turn off the flash
Turning your flash off will let the camera know that it only has available light to take a picture. This is important because the camera will then keep the shutter open long enough to capture the fireworks. The flash button is usually a separate button on the back of the camera. On some cameras, you can’t turn off the flash unless you put it in a scene mode or program mode (P).

5. Turn down the ISO
High ISO will crank up the sensitivity of the camera so it can see details in the dark. However, the fireworks themselves are quite bright. So, to avoid overexposure and reduce film noise, take your camera out of Auto ISO and change the setting to ISO 100 or even lower. The ISO setting is usually found under the main menu. You may have to put your camera in program mode to change this setting.

Fireworks this weekend - Happy July 4th everyone

Not sure what to do to celebrate the 4th this weekend - well both Lake Havasu and Kingman will be celebrating in style... so join in hte fun and where ever you are we wish you and your familities a wonderful, safe & happy independce day holiday...

4th Of July Celebrations

Lake Havasu City, AZ – Monday July 4th 4pm-10pm: Come out and celebrate Independence Day with a traditional Festival and Fireworks Display! The Festival starts at 4:00 pm at Rotary Park including a Beer Garden, food vendors, watermelon-eating contest, sack races and much more ! A Great Day for the Entire Family!

Fireworks begin at 9:00 pm overlooking Thompson Bay. Ideal viewing from Rotary Park or join hundred's of boaters as they gather in Thompson Bay to see the fireworks explode over the Lake! Free Admission

www.havasufireworks.org or www.golakehavasu.com


Kingman, AZ Monday, July 4th N 3pm -10pm: Mohave County Fairgrounds, 2600 Fairgrounds Blvd. A family festival and fireworks show. From 3:00pm to 9:00pm there will be fun, games, contests, food and vendors. About 9:00pm enjoy the fireworks show. www.mcfafairgrounds.com

What’s happening with “social networking websites” online..

There are several types of websites where everyday people communicate socially - we hope these definitions will help you understand them a little better...

A wiki is a Web site that allows anyone visiting to contribute (add, edit, or remove) content. Wikipedia, for example, is a virtual encyclopedia built by user’s providing information in their areas of expertise. Because of the ease of collaboration, wikis are often used when developing group projects, or sharing information collaboratively.

A Blog is an online journal (short for weB LOG) that may be entirely private, may be open to select friends or family, or available to the general public. You can usually make settings so that visitors to your blog may or may not be allowed to comment on your entries – our class blog that you are visiting now is set for public viewing and commenting so that you or anyone else who visits the blog is welcome to comment…. Many families today are creating their own family blogs, so that information, photos, videos etc. can be shared and accessed more easily by family members anywhere in the world...

A social networking site allows people to build and maintain an online Web page and create networks of people they are somehow connected to –their friends, work associates, other members with similar interests, and so on. Most social networking sites, such as Facebook and My Space also host blogs and have social networking functions that people allow people to view information about others and contact friends. And of course we’ve all seen the results of hitting the wrong button when you send a tweet via Twitter and it goes to everyone/anyone who follows you and not just to an individual… now being referred to as the Rep. Anthony Weiner tweat fiasco…

Note:
Posts are the actual articles or updates put on blogs, facebook and myspace websites by the owner/author of that site...
Comments are the comments made by others who read a blog or facebook posting about a specific post
Tweet is the short (no more than 140 characters) message sent via a twitter account to someone or everyone who follows you or someone else on twitter.

Sharing Photos Safely on the Internet

Today more and more of us are sharing our photo’s with others online. This can be done today using our digital cameras and cell phones as soon as the events happen.. No doubt, these options are another wonderful way of using technology but it’s important to be sure you are sharing your photos safely..

Almost all cell phones today have cameras, and because most of us carry our cell phones with us all the time - and the quality of the cell phones cameras have and continue to improve almost daily - they are becoming a popular way to post photos as soon as we take the picture...We may post them to our online photo-sharing accounts (such as Picasa Web Albums, Walgreens, Snapfish, PhotoBucket etc accounts, our blogs, mobile blogs (called moblogs); personal Web sites; or share them via our e-mails and IM - no doubt sharing our photos and videos has never been easier.

But it’s important to carefully manage who sees your digital images, from photos to videos, is critical to avoiding the potential exposure of private or personal information to people outside your trusted friends and family. The same pictures and videos you want to share with friends and family may contain information that also has value to criminals.

Only use reputable sites (such as Picasa Web Albums, Walgreens, Shutterfly, Snapfish and others we’ve discussed in class) and only share photos that contain identifiable information with people you trust.

To make photos with identifiable information safer to share publicly:

• Use a photo editing tool such as Picasa that we work with in our classes, or Windows Photo Gallery to cover up or crop out information that could put you or the people in your photos in harms way, such as house or apt. numbers, street names, name of your school or business, etc – Photo Editing sites allow you to blur small sections of your photos, so you can then put them online safely.


• Remove metadata from the photo. Some sites allow viewers to see the settings used to take the photo, the time and date when the photo was taken, and even show the geographical coordinates of the place where the photo was taken if the camera or camera phone documents this information. The last thing you want "just anyone" being able to see is the actual address of your home, school or day care center when you took pictures of your kids or grandkids...


• Change/reduce the resolution of the photo – because lower resolution makes it less likely that others will copy the photo.

Internet myths & safety Part 2 of 2

Many of us shop and bank online daily – but we all have to be careful and pay attention to how and when we share information online… a few basics to remember to keep yourself and your information safe when using this wonderful technology…

Never trust a link sent to you by someone you don’t know. By clicking the link you may be taken to a site that may look like your bank or credit card company, but isn’t. One thing a criminal can’t fake is the actual Web site address of a company or bank. Never click a link sent to you in an e-mail, search for the Web address using a search engine to find the real one. Use that to ask the company about the message you received, or call using the number listed on your statements. Mark the real site as a favorite in your browser so that one click brings you there safely every time.

Never (never never never) trust an e-mail that asks for your personal or account information (called a phishing scam). These usually seem convincing (the shabby ones have spelling errors, but the high quality scams look impeccable). No bank or reputable company is going to send you an e-mail asking you to correct your information, validate your identity, re-enter your password, and so on.

Beware of emails that send you "warnings against fraud" - The smarter scams often contain text warning you against fraud. They do this because many people believe that an e-mail that warns them to be careful must be legitimate. That is not always true. This also extends to sites that claim they have protections in place for your privacy and security. Anybody can make these claims, but only certain sites protect you.

Never respond – or even open an e-mail with a deal that is too good to be true unless it is from a company that you know well and expect to get these kinds of offers from them. Scammers want you to react without taking time to think things through, so their e-mails frequently sound urgent, such as:

• "if we don’t hear by tomorrow your account will be closed” (and you’ll notice that the date of “tomorrow” never is listed).


• "this offer won’t last, order now to ensure”

Never believe that someone you don’t know is going to give you money. Do not believe a person from another country who just needs you to “help transfer funds” and they need your bank account number to do so. Such scammers promise to give you a huge amount of money for helping them out. The result is an empty bank account.

If you never entered a lottery, you did not win the lottery. Such scams ask you to provide your information and bank account number so they can transfer your prize money. Don’t. The result is an empty bank account.

Don’t believe a really rich, famous person just wants to help you out… and that the celebrity also mysteriously needs your address, phone number, bank account information to do so. The result is an empty bank account.

Guard your information well. It is better to be rude than to be ripped off, so demand validation, verification, and authentication before giving your information to anyone. If you still feel uneasy, say no or check further.

Be careful when you are online and remember to trust your instincts…