How to Keep a Computer Safe From Online Preditors

Many people worry about how to keep a computer safe from online predators. It really is not that difficult if you take a few safety measures and practice protecting your privacy online. Here is how to keep a computer safe from online predators.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Parental control software

1. Learn characteristics of an online predator. An online predator is a person who is looking to take advantage of another person over the Internet. In most cases, the intended victims are children or teenagers.
2. Understand how online predators operate. Many online predators will pretend to be children or teenagers who are the same age (and sometimes even same gender) as their intended victims. They lure personal information out of your child. In the worst case scenario, they ask to meet the child in person and harm the child when they do. Numerous children have been raped by online predators.
3. Talk to your children about online predators. Many children who would not talk to a stranger will reveal very personal information over the Internet. Explain that there are bad people who will take advantage of them over the Internet.
4. Explain to your child that he should never reveal personal information over the Internet. He should use a fake name. He should either not reveal where he lives or make up a different hometown that is in another part of the country. He should not reveal information such as the names of pets, local sports teams, the name of his school or anything else that could lead an online predator to your home.
5. Install parental control software. Most Internet service providers (ISPs) have parental control software available that prevents a child from accessing any website that you do not want your child to access. Many ISPs offer this service for free. However, the service is worth any cost to keep your computer safe from online predators.
6. Monitor any use of Internet chat rooms or instant messaging. Online predators know that the best way to find their victims is to troll where children hang out on the Internet. Either disable access to chat rooms and instant messaging or supervise your child when she uses these features. You can block chat rooms through the parental control software, and you can uninstall the software for instant messaging.
7. Move the computer to a family room. Even the best parental control software is not going to be foolproof. You need to supervise your children when they use the Internet. Moving the computer to a family room is a good way to keep closer tabs and make sure you are keeping your computer safe from online predators.

Tips & Warnings

• Talk with your children frequently about the dangers of online predators. Even relatively street smart children have been duped by online predators.
• No software is full-proof. If you want to keep your computer safe from online predators, you need to monitor your child when they are using the Internet.

Who Can Help:

• Find Computer, Electrical and Telephone Services Here. Compare Up to 4 Quotes, Free Service & No Obligation.
• Find Electrical Services Here. Compare Up to 4 Quotes, Free Service & No Obligation.