As technology continues to evolve, people are more and more connected to the Internet--through computers, mobile telephones, video games, and soon, even kitchen appliances! While the Internet provides all types of useful information, resources, and activities for individuals, families, and organizations, like venturing out in the world, there are also risks associated with its use.

Technology is one tool in helping keep children and adults safe when use Internet-connected devices, but it cannot replace the development of knowledge and skills about how to protect oneself when using computers, mobile phones, gaming consoles, and other Internet-connected devices.

Information about teaching ourselves and our children good habits with technology can be found in the links to the left.

The links below provide useful tips about using technology in a manner that helps keep your children and your family safe.

Step 1--Develop Good Passwords
- Strong passwords: How to create and use them
- The Simplest Security: A Guide to Better Passwords

Step 2--Protect Personal Information
- FTC: Protecting Personal Information
- Beyond the Basics: Protect Personal Information

Step 3--Set-up a Strong Firewall
- Windows Vista Firewall (Windows)
- Understanding Leopard's Firewall (Mac)

Step 4--Make your Wireless Network Secure
- 10 Tips for Wireless Home Network Security
- Wireless Security--Wikipedia Entry
- Using Your Computers Wirelessly (WiFi)

Step 5--Set-up Parental Controls and Filters
- Windows Parental Controls | Setting Up Vista Parental Controls
- Apple (Mac) Parental Controls | Leopard's Parental Controls

Step 6--Enable Screen Sharing for 2 Computers
- Real VNC
- Tight VNC
- Remote Desktop Connection (Windows)
- Remote Desktop Connection (Mac)

Step 7--Keep up with what's new
- Engadget
- Gizmodo
- BBC Technology News

Tools for Families to Keep Kids Protected
http://kids.getnetwise.org/tools/