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Safe & Responsible Computing

Why do we need resources like “Safe & Responsible Computing”?

The Internet has so firmly secured its place in our lives that we may take it for granted. Everyday activities like banking, shopping, playing, even learning can now take place online. We’re familiar with terms like Instant Messaging (IM), surfing the web, and cruising the information highway. That all sounds like a lot fun.

So, what’s the concern? What’s the big deal? Maybe if we lived in a perfect world there wouldn’t be a problem. But we don’t. And there definitely is a problem.

Our first focus is in the area of Internet safety. When you “cruise the information highway,” you have potentially opened the front door of your home to the world. When you – or our children – enter a chat room, people we have never met are touching their lives.

Children are not the only ones at risk on line. We often read in the news about adults who have been taken advantage of by online predators. These predators may be scam artists – coning people out of their bank account numbers, passwords, life savings, or they may be more dangerous. Former FBI Agent John Douglas coauthored a book entitled, “Anyone You Want Me to Be,”© which describes the world’s first online serial killer.

The world can be a dangerous place. While we can’t be all things to all people, it is our hope that we can help arm you with the information you need to protect yourself and your family.

Our second focus is on responsible computing. The ready availability of information and entertainment that the Internet brings us – also brings us knew ethical challenges. Although we have not official Internet Police – law enforcement is becoming increasingly interested in the area of intellectual property rights –i.e. copying and sharing information without the legal right to do so.

We hope you find the information on this sight relevant and helpful.