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Internet Safety - Computer Support	Mostly Cloudy Pierce Weather

• Do not reply to or forward SPAM (unsolicited, unwanted, and/or unexpected messages) - simply delete it.
• Do not attempt to unsubscribe to a SPAM message - this will only confirm your email address and increase the amount of SPAM you actually receive.
• Protect yourself from Spam - be careful about giving out your email address and use a SPAM filter.
• Watch out for too good to be true offers - SPAM mail messages.
• Always read the terms of agreement on software.
• Don't give out your personal information unless it is to a secure and reputable site.
• Don't give out your credit card info unless it is to a secure site.
• Viruses - get an anti-virus program and keep it up to date.
• Be careful what you download - do so from reputable sites only and scan the file with an updated virus scan program.
• Spyware - hard to avoid, relatively easy to get rid of as long as you UPDATE and use the anti-spyware programs regularly. Ad-Aware, Spybot S&D, and Spyware Blaster.
• Pop-up advertising - use a pop-up blocker to stop the pop-ups. Install a Pop-Up Blocker or Google Toolbar.
• Also see our Computer Maintenance Information.

Keeping your Children Safe on the Net

• Establish rules for Internet use.
• Tell your kids never to give out personal information such as their address or telephone number.
• Get familiar with the services and programs your child uses.
• Keep in mind that people online are not always who they claim to be.
• Keep an eye on sites they are visiting/using.

(Information provided by safekids.com - For further information on child safety on the Internet, visit www.safekids.com.)