Proper Conduct

Netiquette

    As in every day life, certain behaviors online are inappropriate and should be avoided. Follow these guidelines to be a courteous citizen online. 

• Consider the feelings of others. Just because you are using text instead of your voice, people still have feelings. Be considerate.
• Watch what you say. Do not post anything you would not want your mom reading. Also, do not give away personal information.
• Be concise. The longer your message, the less likely it is to be read completely, or at all.
• Check spelling.
• Always use a subject when given the opportunity to do so.
• Think of your audience.
• Limit sarcasm.
• Strip headers, but credit the source. No one wants to sift through a lot of information to get to the point. Also, headers often contain personal information that should stay private.
• Make sure your replies go to the right person.
• Pay attention to Copyright.
• Be forgiving.
• Don't go crazy with your signature. Four lines should be the maximum.

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Spam

    Spam is unsolicited offers that flood your inbox. Here are some things you can do to limit the amount of Spam you receive:

• Send a reply if possible, letting the organization know you do not want to receive any more offers from them.
• File a a complaint to the spammer's service provider i.e.: spam@earthlink.net .
• Report the problem to your own service provider.
• Filter Spam from your own email provider.

You may also utilize the National Fraud Information Center at www.fraud.org

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Spoofing

    Email spoofing in a dangerous thing. An email message will appear to have come from a specific source such as EBay, or AOL when in reality it has not. Usually such emails urge you to give personal information such as account numbers or passwords. Do not give the information. Verify the sources validy and act accordingly.

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Hacking and Cracking

    Hacking and Cracking are two similar terms. Hackers for the most part are legitimate people working for a software company to find bugs in programs. Crackers are people who do illegal things. Hackers are working to try to clear their name, as most people do not know the difference.

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Viruses

    Computer viruses replicate themselves, going from computer to computer. They are very dangerous and can destroy files on your computer, your entire computer, or make your computer act in strange ways. In order to protect your computer form viruses you should have a software program installed on your computer to check for viruses regularly. McAfee is just one of the many choices available.

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Online Scams

    There are many scams to be aware of: fraud, hoaxes, and chain letters. Some are more dangerous than others, but all are irritating and unnecessary. Here are some tips to follow to avoid being caught up in the scams:

• Know the source: Don't open things from people you don't know.
• If a message tells you to to provide personal information, don't give it unless you are 100 % positive of the source.
• Emotions are often a target for coaxing people into fradulent activity. Double check the source, to make sure the sender is valid.
• Chain letters and pyramid schemes do not become legal online.
• Be extra careful when participating in online activities when it is April 1.

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