A Few Tips to Protecting Yourself Online!

A Few Tips to Protecting Yourself Online!

The world we live in today is much different from that of our parents, and this has been the same dilemma with every generation. The world is an ever changing place.

The changing of times, our ever growing World, the intelligence factor, the increasing need for more and more technology and gadgets- all of this; causes the need for an increased need in precautionary factors.

Change is supposed to be a good thing. But let us not forget, for every action- there is always a reaction.

As we continue to grow and think we are bettering our self, and always back in the far distance of each and every single one of our minds I am certain there are some of us whom have actually wondered: "Are we really doing the right thing."

Rather than assume it's too late for our own rescue, if in fact we are making mistakes along our own destiny; what we can do to ensure things go along smoothly in our life's endeavors is to take precautions with our safety.

And rather than point out what "could be" errors along our paths, I would rather guide you safely along your journeys instead.

Does it sound as I'm talking in riddles? Perhaps maybe I am trying to implant thoughts into your brains…..yes, that could be it.

Allow me to be transparent: I would like to further assist you along your cyber-paths. I will start off small, to try and ease you into seeing things you may be doing right or wrong with your internet life. If you are new to the internet, or an expert yourself, something here might just enlighten you. At least I hope so.

So let's begin:

1.) If you have never purchased a computer and plan to, before going to buy one- I suggest taking someone to whom you trust. If you cannot take someone with you, and you must deal with the sales person at the store- do not let the sales associates push you around. Listen, ask questions, and do not let them push you into things you do not want or need. Do your researches first, check out what it is you're after or want. Remember to ask questions, take in the information you need and want. Yes, you need a warranty. And if you are buying a used unit, you still need to try to get a warranty there too. And if you can get the Windows & Microsoft Software included in your price you should do that too. And if you're buying it used, be sure the versions are legal.

2.)When creating an email address, make it something you can remember, something you won't be ashamed to share and tell your friends. Simple is best; if you must use numbers, never use your house address or zip code or even telephone number in your name. Here is a bad example: Jodi4021@yahoo now let's look where Jodi lives. 4021 Lakewood. Not a good choice. Predators will use this information to seek Jodi out and find her out. Here is a better choice: Jodi_rainbow@yahoo now everyone knows that Jodi likes and collect rainbows, and they can relate, and everyone should remember this. This is a good choice for Jodi.

3.)Now let's go on to making your password. And let me start with the simplest choice, do not use the word: "password" as your password ever. This is a common hacker attempt and it will get found out. Also, do not use your social security number, or any other number or word that anyone who knows you can figure out. Your best bet, is to mix both letters and numbers. Let's stick with Jodi for our character. You have her address, and you know she likes rainbows. These are things people will look for in her password. So let's think: 1PIcKLEs85913 Where did the numbers come from? Jodi thinks pickles are number 1 in the worst foods category, not the best, the worst. She was born in 85, she was 9 years old when she was first kissed, and her Mother was 13 when she had her. She figures that several of the numbers of most people will not know, this should be a good choice. But the next bet is that she changes her password once a week at least. It is fine to have a list of passwords to use and re-use from time to time. Always remember it is a good idea to mix lower case along with the capital letters as well as the numbers, this will make it harder for hackers to compromise you.


4.)Now for the password retrieval questions. This is where it can become tricky. Most of the password retrieval programs give you two questions to choose from. Questions like: "What is the street you grew up on." And you post your answer. Here is where you do not want to put the right answer, because someone you know- might be able to figure out your answers and retrieve your answers. You need to make your answers something that you will remember, but something that no one will be able to figure out. If they want your street, put your town. But you will need to remember what it is you put, in order to retrieve the password later. Also give yourself a back door, such as another email address within the email address or a phone number. Always be prepared and make it easiest and safest on you. Your safety is your main goal.

5.)When it comes to the internet, trust no one. Be cautious of everyone and everything. Have your virus protector and firewall running. And it is not an exaggerated statement when I say, just like the "X-files" has tried pounding into everyone's skulls all of these years: "Trust no one." The reason you need to do this is because your family and friends "know" you more than people on the internet do. Therefore secret questions and answers are a way into your net life. This is why I cannot stress enough to make your net life as protected as possible.

6.)Social sites such as "myspace," "facebook," "twitter," and even "myyearbook," are sure not to list your full address. I personally suggest the State only, and if you really insist maybe just your City. Nothing more. Never give your home address, and never think you can get a PO Box address and it will make you safer. It will take nothing to have a person sitting in the Post office branch waiting for you to pick up your mail; if the person has nothing better to do than stalk you. If you aren't there to chat, leave your chat off. If people message you, and you don't wait to hear from them, you can easily block them. Do not pursue them on your own, because most generally reporting them to social networking sites- the sites do not care and generally do nothing. The common misconception with social networking sites, is the fact that "freedom of speech" tends to be an issue with postings. Most generally, the only time sites will do anything is if vulgarity and porn are involved. Otherwise, like I said- nothing gets done, so be prepared to walk away and block yourself from any problem situations you may encounter.

7.)Also be aware there are many ways to make money online, and many are scams. So read thoroughly. Don't be afraid to ask questions, and say no. The easiest and simplest, without investing is paid to write sites. Someday, I will give you my insight on those!

These are my simple easy ways to begin your net experience. I didn't want to put too much on your plate for a start, but I wanted to give you something to help you get started.

I hope this has helped you!

A Few Opinions on FCAT!

The Florida Comprehensive Assessment Test

Deneale K. Williams, Yahoo Contributor Network
Sep 10, 2009

The FCAT (Florida Comprehensive Assessment Test) is a test that is issued to Students throughout the state of Florida, except for private scholars. Students that are tested are in grades three through eleven.

 

Students within the public school system are tested, the grades of all students are compiled, and then the School is listed and graded as such. Grades are A through F. And the higher the Schools score, the more funding the School gets.

A student who fails the tenth grade FCAT has the risk of not graduating. However, the student can retake the test five different times.

The FCAT is given to students in separate parts. During said FCAT testing, class schedules are rearranged, and no other activities "usually" go on so as not to "stress" the students. Teachers, during the testing time frame often are known to bring in snacks that give energy. Sometimes they also bring in drinks or healthy foods, in order to keep the children focused.

Students hate the FCAT, I have interviewed many, and the results are always the same. I interviewed students that get good grades, and ones that struggle. I wanted fair answers; and found the answers were always the same.

"I hate FCAT, and I think it sucks that we have to compete with other Schools. Who cares, all we need and want is an education. Comparing us, isn't fair at all, not every teacher is alike, and the teachers teach differently." From a sixth grader.

"All the teachers care about is FCAT. They don't care if we learn anything else!" From an eleventh grader.

"The school stresses pass the test. I hate tests. And I get good grades. But when it comes time to test, I freak out. I don't find this fair, let alone logical." Student grade twelve.

After listening to the complaints from students, I went to teachers. And they had no problems answering, especially since their names wouldn't be used. Here is what several said:

"As you may hear, FCAT is what the board of education makes us focus on. Not learning, not teaching. It's a numbers game, and they want to make it look like they are doing something." This was from a high school teacher.

"The FCAT puts the kids under a lot of unnecessary stress. You get to hear how the kids hate FCAT, well so do the teachers." From a fourth grade teacher.

As a parent, I know that I hate it. My kids get attitudes during FCAT. They are drained, and in terrible moods. And so I thought, well why not ask a few parents too. I mean, my idea when I started writing this, is to make you the public, open up your eyes, and help. Maybe if there are more people who see, do and know, maybe we can do something.

Anyway, here is what the parents are saying:

"FCAT is a fraud. All it is, is a competition, a numbers game. Something to use, to give rewards to Schools, to make the School feel worthy." A mother to three kids, ages: eleven, thirteen and fifteen.
"FCAT stresses my kids out like you would not believe. My daughter gets straight A's and on honor roll. The FCAT makes her angry, and she doesn't score very high. I don't understand the scoring, other than the fact they compare the students against one another, and their school. Then they compare them to other Schools. I don't think it is a good kind of competition." From a Mother to two, a daughter age seventeen, and son age twelve.

"I can't stand FCAT; it is too much stress on everyone." From a mother to six kids.

I decided to research FCAT online, and my favorite source for learning anything is: Wikipedia. And I read through the article, and then scrolled down to criticism. This was my favorite:

Though the system is designed to reward public schools for excellence in teaching, many educators and community members have criticized the program, claiming that the program takes funding from schools which need it most. It has also been criticized by many students and teachers because the schools put too much emphasis on the FCAT and not enough on preparing students for the real world.

Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/FCAT

That section on criticism is very true. And I am glad that Wikipedia knows and posted that section on criticism, the truth from the public's eye.

Something needs done about FCAT. I'm not exactly saying it needs to go, but the teachers and the School, need to realize- there are many other things to learn, not just the FCAT!

Published by Deneale K. Williams