Links to Resources for Understanding the Internet This section will expand into other topics, but for now, here are some good resources about online myths, scams, hoaxes, safety and so forth. Please check some of these before you pass on that email that sounds so reasonable, but you're just not sure about. Contents Online and Offline Safety and Privacy Hoaxes and Urban Myths General Guides and Generally Useful... Links to [ Christian Orgs | Christian Internet | Youth | Parents | Community | Understanding the Net | Other Internet ] Central Presbyterian Church can assume no liability in the recommendation of any product, service or organization, nor does this constitute an endorsement. We encourage you to evaluate these resources yourself.

Online and Offline Safety and Privacy

• Christian Internet Code of Ethics - http://www.naznet.com/ethics/
  "The Christian Internet Code of Ethics is an effort by some Christians to declare boundaries they set for themselves on the Internet. It is not a set of rules, but a statement of values. In it we find believers saying, 'We have found some dangers that may be hidden at first look and we want to point them out to those who join us on the Internet.'" Good advice/personal guides to consider.

  Christian Internet Code of Ethics
  As a Christian who is active on the internet, I hold myself to certain standards of conduct. They are:

  • I guard my online relationships
  • I am careful to visit websites that do not compromise my life in Christ
  • I take care that my written communications reflect Christ in my life
  • I guard my time to assure that my time online is kept in proper balance with the rest of my life

  For more information and expanded discussion of these guidelines visit the Christian Internet Code of Ethics home page.

• GetNetWise.Org - http://www.getnetwise.org/
  In a bid to create an online clearinghouse of advice on keeping kids safe on the Internet, U.S. government officials have joined forces with some three dozen Internet firms and trade groups. The Web site comprises a list of online safety tips for parents, teenagers and young children; a listing of some 80 different online content-filtering software tools; a tip sheet for reporting incidents of online harassment; and a guide to content created especially for kids.

• WiredSafety.org - http://www.wiredsafety.org/
  provides help, information and education to Internet and mobile device users of all ages. We handle cases of cyberabuse ranging from identity and credential theft, online fraud and cyberstalking, to hacking and malicious code attacks. (also sexual predators, and cyberbullying) They have the answers to your most frequently asked questions on all aspects of online safety, privacy and security.

• OU Police Notebook Internet Safety - http://www.ou.edu/oupd/inetmenu.htm
  The University of Oklahoma Department of Public Safety's Police Notebook is one of the best police/public safety websites on the internet. The Internet Safety section in particular contains information about:
  • Ways to keep your kids safe online
  • Notes, advice, and warnings for parents to read with their kids about Internet DOs and DON'Ts
  • 147 safety tips for kids on a wide range of topics from handling emergencies to dealing with strangers to Internet safety.
  • Things to remember when meeting people and giving out personal information on the Internet.
  • Things to remember when shopping and transmitting financial information on the Internet.
  • How to identify and deal with both real and fake computer "virus alerts"

• Microsoft: Security at Home: Child Safety Online
  Microsoft-provided information: "Whether your kids go online to browse, research school projects, play games, or chat with friends, you can help to keep them safer while they explore online with the following articles and tips."

• The National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) - http://www.ncmec.org/
  NCMEC is a private, nonprofit organization that spearheads national efforts to locate and recover missing children and raises public awareness about ways to prevent child abduction, molestation, and sexual exploitation.

• NCMEC MissingKids.Com - http://www.missingkids.com/
  The National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) has a central page online to report any child exploitation. This is the place to go if you encounter situations dealing with child pornography, child prostitution, online enticement of children for sexual acts, etc. You can also report a missing child sighting.

• SafeShopping.Org - http://www.safeshopping.org/
  A site by the American Bar Association that can give you good advice in many areas of online privacy, security, delivery and more to help you avoid getting ripped off as you shop online. See also the BBB's (Better Business Bureau) Shopping Safely Online and the FTC's Consumer Protection Guides.

Hoaxes and Urban Myths

Here are some resources to check whether that oh-so-reasonable email you just got is a hoax or not. Please check it before you send it on to others!!! Then, if it's a hoax, let the person who sent it to you know (tactfully), and point them to some of the sites below where they can learn to confirm for themselves. Or just give them the url of this list (http://www.centralpc.org/links/links7.htm#hoax)

• Google Search Engine (search here first to see if it's a hoax)

• Snopes: Urban Legends Reference Pages

• Origin, Purpose & Closure
  Before forwarding on those chain emails, ask yourself these few questions or check some of the websites mentioned to see if it might be a hoax or other useless email. Also includes information about many of the common hoaxes seen.

• Bits & Bytes: Convince Him/Her to Always Investigate Need (CHAIN)
  A good article on chain letters and the need (and techniques) to investigate them before forwarding them to others... also some discussion on how to tactfully let others know that something is a hoax or shouldn't be passed on.

• About.Com: Urban Legends and Folklore

• HoaxBusters (see Info About Hoaxes)

• Vmyths.com- Truth About Computer Virus Myths & Hoaxes
  particularly good for virus myths, with a good FAQ )

• Symantec's AntiVirus Center - http://www.symantec.com/avcenter/
  Symantec produces antivirus tools. They have a good section on current viruses including info on virus hoaxes. This is a particularly good place to check before passing on virus warnings.

• Urban Legend Combat Kit - http://netsquirrel.com/combatkit/
  The ULCK is by Internet Tourbus co-author Patrick Crispen. It's a free collection of canned responses to help you combat Internet myths and urban legends. When someone sends you an urban legend, just cut and paste the appropriate response from this site.

General Guides and Generally Useful...

• Akron-Springfield Assembly of God: PC-Newbies
  A great page for those starting out with computers or on the internet. Good, non-techie explanations of many areas with supporting resource links.

• The Internet Tourbus - http://www.tourbus.com/
  The Tourbus is a twice-weekly newsletter that you can get which talks about all sorts of internet sites. They also cover many of the current urban legends. The site has archives of all back issues. Highly recommended.
  • Tourbus 6/24/99: Protecting Your Kids Online and Off (part 1)
  • Tourbus 7/16/99: Protecting Your Kids Online and Off (part 2)
  • Tourbus 6/19/99 Crispen's Five AntiVirus Rules

• Parents Guide to the Internet - http://www.ed.gov/pubs/parents/internet/
  This US Dept. of Education site provides parents with strategies for navigating the Internet. In addition, this guide gives parents an introduction to the World Wide Web, tips on locating information, communicating with others electronically; and helping children maximize the benefits of the Internet.

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