A Consumer's Guide to Computer Dangers
A Consumer's Guide to Computer Dangers, Online Threats
Over the past several decades the computer and computer usage has become an integral part of our everyday life. Whether you use a computer for school, work or for pleasure at home, the computer has become a very important aspect in our lives. However, while we generally use a computer on a daily basis, it is important that we do not take the way we use them for granted.
For example, when using a computer most of us don't consider whether we are sitting in a chair in front of the computer. Unless we are sitting in the proper position, with the monitor and keyboard at the proper position, we run the risk of having problems with headaches, eye ache, joint ache and other potential health issues. These are issues that extend from computer usage to our daily lives.
Other computer related concerns have to do with the Internet. Via the Internet, computer users can access a vast amount of information with only a click. However, this information is not without potential problems. With the increase in usage of computers and the Internet, concerns with spam e-mails, possible viruses which can disable computers and the potential of online fraud are everyday concerns. Additionally, children are increasingly computer savvy which opens up a new area of concern that our children are being exposed to websites that they should not be viewing.
To help learn more about the possible problems and solutions of computer usage, we have collected a number of helpful resources for your reading pleasure. Please feel free to review this information and we hope that they are useful in your everyday use of computers.
Spam e-mails
- Federal Trade Commission: Information about Spam – Government article which provides information about How To Get Less Spam in Your Email.
- Indiana University: What is Email Spam? – Information on email spam and how it works.
- United States Department of Justice: Spam Email Information – An informative article which covers various aspects of spam.
- SoftwareLab.org: What is Spam? – Basic information which provides a definition of spam.
- Federal Trade Commission: Stopping Spam – Informative page from the FTC about stopping spam and other unwanted items.
- The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA): Stopping Spam – What is spam, and how can you reduce the amount of spam?
Computer Viruses
- Tech Terms: Virus Definition – Useful article which deals with computer viruses and how they function.
- Portland Community College: Computer Viruses – A definition of a computer virus.
- Wayland Baptist University: What is a Computer Virus – Helpful page which explains what a computer virus is.
- Sothern Illinois University: Types of Computer Viruses – Informative page which provides an overview of computer viruses.
- Microsoft: Understanding malware & other threats – Information on viruses and other malware, and how they function.
Online Fraud
- FBI: Internet Fraud – Informative page from the FBI which provides consumers with information on various varieties of Internet fraud.
- Fraud.org: Stop Fraud – Informational website which covers many aspects about Internet fraud.
- USA.gov: Internet Fraud information – Resourceful page which deals with topics pertaining to online fraud.
- Office of the Comptroller of the CurrencyTypes of Consumer Fraud – Helpful page which outlines a number of typical types of fraud, includign online.
- Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3): Internet Crime Complaint – Web site where consumers can go to report incidents of Internet crime.
- National Crime Victim Law Institute (NCVLI): What is Online Fraud? – Useful web page which discusses the problems associated with online fraud.
- Cornell Law School, Legal Information Institute: Computer and Internet Fraud – An overview with statutory definition and examples of computer or internet fraud. Lists possible prosecutions of Internet related fraud.
- NC State university, Office of IT: Internet Fraud – Explains Internet fraud, how to protect against it, and what to do if you become a victim.
- University of Wisconsin Madison Police Department: Internet Fraud: Surfers Beware – Various ways of how Internet fraud is committed. Helps recognize scams.
Children and the Internet
- Internet Society: Children and the Internet – Useful article which outlines the benefits and potential problems of children accessing the Internet.
- Northcentral University: Internet and Your Children – Kids and technology. Creating a safe environment for your children.
- State of California Department of Justice, Attorney General: Children Cybersafety – Helpful page which deals with a number of issues of cybersafety with children.
- FBI: Internet Safety Guide – Informative guide for parents to help educate children in being safe online.
- National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children: Child Online Safety – Article which provides helpful advice for parents in keeping kids safe online.
- National Cyber Awareness System: Keeping Children Safe Online – Government resource for parents which provides advice in keeping children safe while online.
- Calgary's Child, by Calgary Police Chief Roger Chaffin: How Much Do Your Kids Know About Internet Safety? – An article written by the Chief of Police for the Calgary Police Service. Provides useful information about security of children on the Internet.
- The Children's Medical Group: The Internet and Your Children’s Safety – Tips to help provide guidelines or rules for your children as they engage with online materials.
Computer Health
- University of Pittsburgh, Department of Environmental Health and Safety: Computer Operators' Risk Factors – Informative page which discusses three factors that have been identified as contributing to ergonomically related problems.
- UC Berkeley Health Services: Computer Ergonomics – Useful page providing information on healthy computer use.
- A Publication of New York State United Teachers: Health Hazards of Computer Use (PDF) – Health and safety fact sheet about health problems associated with computer use.
- United States Department of Labor: Ergonomic Solutions – Helpful article which provides guidelines on setting up healthy workstations.
- University of Michigan Health Service: Computer Ergonomics – How to Protect Yourself from Strain and Pain – Information on how computer users can be healthy while using computers regularly.
- Princeton University Health ServicesErgonomics & Computer Use – How to set up a comfortable, healthy workstation. Desk stretching exercise videos, and more.
- Harvard Medical School: Carpal Tunnel Syndrome – What is carpal tunnel syndrome? Symptoms and diagnosis. Duration, prevention and treatment.
Prevention
- Commonwealth of Massachusetts: Clear Your Browser Cache – Useful guide about how to delete your browsing history in different Internet browsers.
- State of California Department of Justice, Attorney General: Computer Safety – Protect Your Computer From Viruses, Hackers, and Spies.
- The University of Utah: Basic Computer Safety – Helpful article listing resources which help prevent many possible dangers that users can face while using computers and the Internet.
- NetSmartz: Safety Tips – Information for children and adults which provides tips and suggestions on how to be safe online.
- Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA): Securing the Internet of Things – The Internet of Things refers to any object or device that sends and receives data automatically through the Internet. How to secure them?