Whether you want to know the basics of how computers work, how to keep them running well, or the best ways to organize and secure your information, you need a little Skool'n.

How a Computer Works

Computers have become multi-purpose, almost indispensable parts of out lives. While they consist of many components, computers are basically built around the microprocessor. This is the "brains" of the computer and sometimes is called the Central Processing Unit or CPU. The microprocessor is housed in the "tower" of some home computers or the main part of others and oversees everything that is done.

Another key component of the computer is the memory. Just as it sounds, memory provides storage space for data. The key is that it needs to be fast. The two basic types of memory include:

  1. RAM – This is Random Access Memory and is typically what people mean when they speak of computer memory. It is called "random access" because you can tap into any cell directly if you know the row and column that intersect at it. Most types of RAM lose their data when you shut the computer off.

    The amount of RAM a computer has is measured in bytes. A byte traditionally consists of eight bits. A bit is a binary digit with a value or 0 or 1.
    Common units to measure bytes are:
    • KB (kilobyte) 1,000 or 1,024 bytes depending on context
    • MB (megabyte) 1,000,000 or 1,048,576 bytes
    • GB (gigabyte) one billion or 1,0243 bytes

    For most PCs, if you are running Windows XP, Microsoft recommends you have at least 128 MB of RAM. For optimal performance with the most commonly used software, 256 MB is generally suggested. Generally, the more RAM you have, the faster your computer will be.

    RAM includes the cache. This is a temporary storage area where frequently used data can be kept. It speeds up the operation as the original data does not have to be recalled each time.
  2. ROM – Read Only Memory is a permanent type of memory used by the computer for key data that is not altered.

The CPU is part of what is called the computer's hardware. This is the physical part of the computer. Software is a general term describing the programs and applications on the computer.

Operating Systems

The computer's operating system (OS) manages the hardware and software resources as well as providing a stable platform for the applications to deal with the hardware. The most common operating systems are the various versions of Microsoft Windows, including Vista, for PCs and Mac OS for Apple computers. Some corporations use Linux or UNIX operating systems.

A key to the operating systems is the desktop. This is the main screen that comes up when your computer is turned on. It is the screen upon which windows and files are shown.

USB

A USB is a Universal Serial Bus. These ports on your computer, often found at the back or side, allow you to connect a wide variety of devices to them. These include such essential devices as keyboards and a mouse as well as add-ons such as digital cameras, web cams, iPods and MP3 players and storage devices such as Zip drives.

Network

A computer network is an interconnected group of computers. This is often found in a setting such as a workplace or school. They can be physically or wirelessly connected to a server, which is software or a device that performs services for those "attached" to it.

Common types of networks are:

  • PAN – Personal Area Network – This is used for communication among devices close to one person, such as a printer, telephone or scanners
  • LAN – Local Area Network – A LAN covers a small geographic area such as a house or office building
  • CAN – Campus Area Network – A CAN connects two more LANs, but is limited to a contiguous area. CANs are often used for college campuses or military bases
  • MAN – Metropolitan Area Network – This type of network links two more LANs or CANs and does not extend past the boundaries of an area such as a city or metro area
  • WAN – Wide Area Network – A WAN covers a wide geographic area, such as one city to another. The Internet is an example of a WAN

Internet Adventures

The Internet started in 1969 with four host computer systems. It has grown to include tens of millions of systems and to be a key resource for many people and business. The Internet, as its name indicates, is a global collection of interconnected networks.

No one owns the Internet. However, it is monitored in a variety of ways. For example, the Internet Society, a non-profit formed in 1992, oversees the formation of policies and protocol for the Internet.

Each computer on the Internet has a unique identifying number called an IP address. IP stands for Internet Protocol, which is the language computers use to communicate on the Internet. A typical IP address looks like 217.21.65.143.

One of the first uses of the Internet was email. Electronic mail has remained very popular. Some email programs are web-based, meaning that they are accessed via a home page on the World Wide Web. These include Hotmail and Gmail. Others, including Mac mail and Microsoft Outlook, are desktop-based.

Through the Internet, one can access the World Wide Web (WWW). The World Wide Web is an interlinked group of hypertext documents. Hypertext allows different pages to be linked to each other.

A web browser is a software program that displays and allows you to interact with text, images, music and video. Popular browsers include Internet Explorer, Safari, Netscape and Mozilla Firefox. Browsers format HTML for display. HTML is the Hypertext Markup Language. It establishes the layout of a web document.

When you are sending an email or surfing the web, you are using a domain name. For example, www.safesurfer.org includes the domain name: safesurfer.com. So does an email address such as fres@yahoo.com. The domain name does not work for computers so DNS (Domain Name Servers) translate the domain name we use into IP addresses which computers use.

A URL is an Uniform Resource Locator, which is really the WWW address of documents. The first part (such as http) indicates which protocol to use to fetch it. The second part, for example safesurfer, shows where it is located.

Many of the most commonly used web pages are search engines. Sites such as Google and Yahoo use keywords or phrases to find what you are looking for on the World Wide Web.

  • Social networking - services such as Facebook and MySpace let people post profiles and send messages to their friends
  • Blog (web log) - a place where an online diary is posted (sometimes it includes forums for discussion)
  • Gripe site - everyone has a complaint about something and these sites let you state yours (they usually are formed around a theme such as a corporation or person)
  • Review site - these give people a chance to give their opinion – good or bad – about a product or service
  • Ratings site - like a review site, one can let their feelings about something be known (these sites have a system in place where your satisfaction is quantified)
  • Wiki - this is a site, such as Wikipedia, that uses collaborative editing to create its content

Netiquette

Now that you have taken care of your safety, take a little time to learn the ins and outs of being a good netizen (citizen of the Internet). It's not hard to do and following a few simple rules will make you as popular online as you are in real-life (maybe even more so if you play your cards right)!

  • Don't spam people with emails. Those chain letters are annoying and can contain spyware and other nasties (see more about nasties a bit further down the page).
  • Don't say anything online (Instant Messenger, chat rooms, forums) that you wouldn't say in person and that you might be ashamed to say in front of your grandmother.
  • DON'T USE ALL CAPITALS!!! It looks kind of scary doesn't it?? Using all capital letters is like shouting in the online world and is frowned upon.
  • Don't try to stir up trouble in forums just because you are bored. This makes it look like you have nothing else to do, which is bad.
  • Understand that everyone uses Instant Messenger differently. It may look like they are online, but they could be away from the computer and not able to respond to you. Don't get offended or hurt if they don't respond, just leave your message and move on.
  • Respect other people's opinions. We know, sometimes this is a tall order, but if you want people to listen to your opinion and be respectful towards you, you have to do the same for them.
  • Don't use profanity. Curses, swear words, bad words, whatever, call it what you want but the bottom line is that certain words are offensive to people so don't use them.
  • Remember that whatever you write or post can be passed around, viewed by anyone, and might live on the Internet for a very long time. Think about this very carefully before posting your thoughts.

Test Messaging Special

You've heard of road rage, right? It is not just drivers that get frustrated. Text or SMSers (short messaging service) can also inspire rage among others.

When texting, there are a few things to keep in mind so that you don't accidentally upset someone:

  1. There are times when you do not need to text message!
    • Do not text when you are talking to someone else. It is rude to both people as you are not giving them the respect they deserve.
    • Don't text message while driving. This is just bad news.
  2. SMS is informal. For serious conversations, such as letting a boyfriend/girlfriend down, please call or meet the person face-to-face.
  3. Be careful of the "tone" of your message. Without your voice saying them, your words could be misinterpreted.
  4. Remember that text messages can be traced! There is no such thing as anonymous messages.
  5. If you need an answer right away, just call! Waiting for an answer can be very frustrating and no one wants to constantly be bothered by a beeping phone.
  6. Remember that people are busy. They don't want to be bombarded all day by messages.

Interacting on the Internet

As we mentioned before, many websites and applications allow for social networking, or interaction. Facebook, Myspace, Instant Messaging, Cell phone texting, and interactive games are just a few examples. It can be a lot of fun to "chat" with your friends or leave them messages online, but just like in real life, you do need to keep yourself safe.

The Important Stuff to Remember…

  1. Make sure you know who you are talking to! Anyone can pretend to be anyone on the Internet and not everyone has your best interests at heart. Only add those people that you actually know to your "friends" list. If someone that you don't know approaches you, wanting to chat or be added to your contact list, just say no. Really, why take the risk of allowing someone into your online world who doesn't know the real-life you?
  2. Remember: No matter how much you "see" or "chat" with another person online, you don't really know them.
  3. Be careful about what information you post about yourself! Don't risk your safety by posting information such as your birthday, address, phone number, town that you live in, sports teams that you play on, or school that you go to. It's really easy to figure out who and where a person is by looking for clues, and your personal information tells the whole story – no clues required! Would you go to a crowded mall and scream out your name, phone number, and address??? We really hope not, and posting that kind of information on Facebook or in a chat room or on your Instant Messaging account is like doing that times 1,000,000. Don't do it – not ever!
  4. Remember: Your safety is your number one concern. Do not ever give out information about yourself that could lead a stranger to you in real life.
  5. Posting pictures can get you in hot water! Just like your personal information, pictures can give strangers clues to where you live, how old you are, and what you look like. We know it's fun to post pictures, but sometimes the risks are just too high, and this is one of those times. Also, don't ever post pictures of someone else because doing so puts them in jeopardy and disrespects their right to privacy. Finally, believe it or not, a lot of those images you find on the Internet actually belong to someone and it is not ok for you to use them (more about that later). People might use any pictures you post without your permission as well, which is another good reason to not post pictures.
  6. Remember: Pictures are a great big "NO". If you want to show off your latest haircut, skateboarding competition, or class picture – share it with your grandma.
  7. Never, ever meet in-person with someone you have met online unless a parent/guardian/adult you trust is with you! Yeah, yeah we know. You are too smart to do something like that. Sometimes though, it can be tempting to agree to meet with someone, especially if they make promises of rewards or friendship. Don't make the mistake of thinking that you "know" them or that they are safe just because you have chatted with them online. You don't know this person, he/she could be anybody and could mean you harm. Whatever you do, do not arrange to meet with someone without your parent/guardian there with you - You are too precious and your safety is too important to risk.

Remember: Never, ever under any circumstances meet an online "friend" in person without being accompanied by a parent/guardian!


Cyber-Bullying

Bullies are everywhere. It's a sad fact of life. When someone makes mean remarks about another person, forces others to do things, or gets a bunch of people to pick on one person, that is bullying. It happens in real life and it happens online. The difference with online bullying is that it is harder to escape and the bully's comments might be posted somewhere for a very long time.

Before you post something mean about someone else, stop and ask yourself "Am I proud of what I am doing?" "Does this post represent the me that I really am or is it more about me trying to look cool?"

Are you being bullied online?

If so, don't try to deal with this alone. Go talk to an adult you trust right now! The world can be a complicated place and some things are just too big or difficult to deal with yourself. This is one of those things. Don't respond to the bully or try to get even with them, either online or in real life. This will make things worse. It is important that you talk with your trusted adult right away because cyber-bullying hurts as much as real-life bullying and can worsen if it isn't stopped.


Law

Well now, we don't pretend to be legal experts, but there are a few things that we do know and that you should know too to keep yourself on the right side of the law!

  • Images, music, videos, text (writing) that you find on the Web may be copyrighted which means that you can't copy it and say that you created it. This is lying and cheating and is a bad, bad thing.
  • A lot of stuff on the Internet is also licensed, which means that someone owns the rights to it and may be available for purchase. Music, computer games and software, and movies are often licensed and while there are places online where you can download it for "free", the fact is that it is not free and you are stealing or pirating it when you use these sites. You may be charged and fined for downloading this stuff, so don't do it.
  • It is illegal for an adult to approach a child with requests of a sexual nature. If you are asked sexually oriented questions or asked to send pictures of yourself without clothes on or showing certain parts of your body, report it to your local police or to www.cybertip.ca right away. You will be making the Internet a safer place for you and everyone else.

Nasties

The Internet reflects the world we live in and just like the real world, although there is a lot of good stuff, there is also some bad stuff. You might encounter nasty stuff through chat rooms, websites, forums, or email and it's important that you know how to deal with it when it comes your way.

  • Some websites feature pictures or movies that are sexual in nature and may make you uncomfortable. You might come across a site like this when you are searching for something else and it can be quite a shock when something, er, unexpected appears! Exit the site by clicking on the close button. Sometimes this doesn't work and you actually have to close down your Internet connection. We suggest that you tell your parent/guardian about this if it happens because the website may have left something behind on your computer that could pop up again in the future and could possibly cause damage to your computer.
  • You may receive emails from friends or family that have attachments. Often these are just fun things that present no threat, but sometimes the attachments actually carry viruses that can harm your computer. Refer to our Internet rules above to keep yourself and your computer safe from such threats.
  • You may receive emails from people you don't know at all. Delete this – do not even think twice about it! Again, see our Internet rules above for more information on this.
  • In chat rooms, people may try to get you to give them information about yourself. You know the answer to this one – at no time, ever should you reveal personal information about yourself. If someone persists in bugging you for information, stop chatting with them and block them from your contacts.
  • People you do not know might ask you to post a picture of yourself or use a webcam when chatting with them. Don't do it! Pictures and webcam shots can be saved and used for purposes that are not in your best interests. If someone asks you to send pictures of yourself, let your parent/guardian know right away.
  • You may encounter someone who wants to talk to you about sexual things or asks you to post (or webcam) pictures of yourself without clothes on. It is illegal to ask a minor (that is probably you) to do such things and the person should be reported immediately. You can report it to your local police or on this site: www.cybertip.ca

Questions & Answers

We have given you a lot of information on this section of the website and it may be that after looking at it, you have some questions. Questions are good – we like questions! Feel free to write us here at SafeSurfer with your questions and we will do our best to answer them! Send your emails: safesurfer@paretologic.com