Computers & Technology

General

Click here for info on the South Plainfield Consumer Electronics Recycling Drop-off Program

Annoyances - 'The most complete collection of information assembled for and by actual users of Microsoft Windows,' offering many tips and tweaks to make your Windows operating system more efficient and less annoying; includes discussion boards. Computer Hope and How-To Geek also offer helpful computer advice and discussion boards. (Commercial sites)

Computer Buying Guide - Guidance in choosing laptop or desktop, Windows or Macintosh, plus other information to help you buy and use your computer (Consumer Reports; full access only available with subscription). See also Consumer Reports Electronics blog the latest computer news and developments from Consumer Reports' computer experts. Before you dispose of your old PC, see E-cycling Central, below.

Computer Dictionary - Over 6,000 computer definitions and terms; you can search by keyword or browse alphabetically (Computer Hope). Trend Micro's Security Glossary defines dozens of terms specifically related to online security, such as Active-X, boot sector virus, and Worm.

Computer Rage - If computer-related aggravations have you tearing your hair out, get some vicarious & hilarious relief from these comic videos. (Dr. Kent Norman, Psychology Professor at University of Maryland)

Computer Tips - A large collection of computer tips and how-tos arranged by subject. Covers privacy & security; Internet, websites and e-mail; tricks, troubles and upgrades; operating systems; hardware; software and programs; and digital photos, video & music. (By Kim Komando, a radio talk show host and syndicated columnist; commercial site)

Consumer Electronics Customer Support Contact Numbers - An alphabetical list of companies with customer support numbers, plus links to home page, support page, user manuals, support e-mail, and FAQ for each company, where available. Includes manufacturers of computers, personal electronics, digital entertainment products, software producers, and internet & media service providers. Updated April 2009. (Techlore.com, commercial site)

E-Cycling Central - Click your state on the map to find the nearest reuse, recycling, and donation programs for old PCs and electronic products. Includes a Links section with additional resources for recycling batteries or mercury-containing lamps (Electronic Industries Alliance). Greener Choices Electronics provides solutions for dealing with old electronics, plus tips for buying new electronics that may last longer, and related information. (Consumer Reports). The South Plainfield Public Library accepts household batteries for recycling, as well as cell phones, and empty ink and toner cartridges from computer printers or copiers — your donations help the library! Click here for info on the South Plainfield Consumer Electronics Recycling Drop-off Program. See also Proper PC Disposal (AARP), EPA E-Cycling Info, which includes links to major retailers and manufacturers committed to collecting, reusing, or recycling old electronics (U.S. EPA), and Electronic Equipment Recyclers Contact List (National Safety Council). Cell Phones for Soldiers will provide prepaid calling cards for U.S. troops stationed overseas in exchange for your donated cell phones ('batteries, chargers and accessories are not required but gladly accepted'). Or you can opt for Recycling for Charities, which will recycle your old cell phone, PDA, digital camera, iPod, ink or toner cartridge, to benefit the charity of your choice.

GCF Global Learning® Free Online Tutorials - Self-paced tutorials covering computer basics, Internet basics, and e-mail skills, as well as Microsoft Office programs (Word, PowerPoint, Excel, Access) and Open Source software. Now updated with Office 2007 and Windows 7. (Goodwill Community Foundation)

Google Directory: Computer Magazines - Links to popular magazines such as InfoWorld, PC World, MacWorld, PC Magazine, Wired, and many others.

Microsoft Download Center - Gateway to updates & extras for Microsoft products including games, multimedia, Internet Explorer, Windows, Office, drivers, system tools, and more. (Microsoft)

Old Version - Are you still using an older computer that can't handle the latest versions of some popular software? Do you just prefer the older version of your favorite browser, media, or mail program? At this site you can download early versions of many Windows-based freeware and shareware programs such as Internet Explorer, AOL Instant Messenger, Acrobat Reader, Eudora, Winamp, WinZip, and RealPlayer (Commercial site). CAUTION: Be sure to scan all downloads with a reliable anti-virus / anti-spyware program.

PC World Magazine - Technology reviews, charts, how-to guides, articles, downloads, and pricing info. The Consumer Advice How-Tos and Windows How-Tos are especially useful. (Commercial site)

Simplify Your System - This article from the August 2004 issue of PC World offers 50 tips showing you how to simplify Windows and your PC system from startup to shutdown, cut the clutter on your PC, and stop aggravations before they begin. For Windows 2000 and XP.

Smart Computing Daily Tip - A large searchable archive of brief tips to help you get the most from your PC, software, cell phone, and other electronic gadgets. (Smart Computing)

Readability new - 'Readability is a simple tool that makes reading on the Web more enjoyable by removing the clutter around what you're reading.' It will also display the text in a size that doesn't require a magnifying glass to read! Just select your display preferences from the settings list, and add Readability to your Favorites/Bookmarks. Then 'when visiting a Web page worth reading, simply click the link to enable Readability.' (By Arc90, a technology / design firm)

TechSoup - 'A comprehensive source of technology information just for nonprofit organizations,' but also useful for individuals and small businesses. Includes free downloads and other tools.

Twenty Things They Don't Want You to Know - This article from the August 2005 issue of PC World reveals 'some of what vendors are keeping mum, such as: You never have to pay full price, extended warranties rarely pay for themselves, and how to get rid of Windows Messenger. (Commercial site)

What Is? - A dictionary of computer-related terms. You can search by keyword, or browse alphabetically or by broad subject (commercial site). See also Bloggosary, 'a light hearted project to catalogue the blogosphere's vocabulary.'

Getting Started with Computers

If you are an ABSOLUTE BEGINNER, find a friend, relative, or librarian to help you get started with these sites:

Good Typing - Using a computer keyboard can really slow you down if you don't know how to type. This online tutorial offers step-by-step lessons for beginners; FREE REGISTRATION REQUIRED. Another good typing tutorial site is Peter's Online Typing Course.

Mouserobics! - This site teaches you everything you always wanted to know about using your mouse: how to point, click and scroll; use check-off boxes, radio buttons, and drop-down menus; fill in forms; and copy and paste text. Lots of opportunities to practice. Formerly Mousercise. (Central Kansas Library System)

Mouse Tutorial- Another website for the absolute beginner shows you how to use your mouse to point, click, and scroll. (Montgomery County Public Libraries)

New User Tutorial - If you've never used a computer before, these lessons are for you! Covers pointing, clicking, scrolling, etc. (The Library Network, Southgate, MI)

Once you've mastered your mouse, it's time to move on to:

Basic PC Skills - This user-friendly site tells you how to perform basic tasks like opening & closing windows, selecting & copying text, using scrollbars & menus, etc. The same group also offers PC Basics, which explains what all the different parts of the computer do; pages of Computer FAQ, answering common questions about Windows 98/ME/XP, Internet Explorer, Outlook Express, AOL; plus other helpful information. (Southwest Florida PC Users Group)

Computer Education - A collection of articles and other materials on various computer functions. Particularly helpful are the Tips & Tweaks for Windows XP, including How to get rid of Windows Messenger spam. Now also includes a section on Windows Vista. (By a retired chemistry professor & volunteer computer instructor)

Windows Basics - Learn how to do basic tasks with the Microsoft Windows 98, XP and Vista operating systems. (Personal site)

Windows Secrets - High-tech tips, reviews of Windows-compatible products (including free software), plus a free weekly e-newsletter with tricks and alerts for Microsoft Windows, Internet Explorer, Firefox, Windows Update, and more.

Windows 7 How-Tos - Advice on using the latest version of the Windows operating system. Covers Disabling Features & Annoyances, Networking & Sharing, Privacy & Security, Shortcuts & Hotkeys, and other Windows 7 Tips (How-To Geek, commercial site). See also Using Windows 7 (Microsoft), Tips for Windows 7, Word 2007, & More and Five Reasons Some XP Users Should Hold Off On Windows 7 (PC World, commercial site).

Windows Vista How-Tos - Advice on using the Windows Vista operating system. Covers Desktop Customization, Managing Files and Folders, Network and Internet, Security, System Administration, Windows Aero Glass, Tips and Tweaks (How-To Geek, commercial site). See also Microsoft's Windows Vista® Performance & Tuning Guide (for Windows Vista and SP1), 20 Free Downloads to Tweak & Improve Your Vista System, and Vista SP2: Six Things You Need to Know (PC World, commercial site).

Getting Connected to the Internet

'Free' Internet Service - Before you take advantage of any free or low-cost internet service offers, please read the Federal Trade Commission's consumer alert on possible hidden costs which may be associated with them.

Internet Service Providers (ISP) - Outlines the questions you need to ask when comparing Internet Service Providers to find an ISP that meets your needs. Choosing an Internet Service Provider explains the pluses and minuses of dialup, DSL, and cable internet service. (Goodwill Community Foundation)

Go2Broadband - Enter your address to get links to cable services available at your location. (From a cable industry association)

Wi-Fi-FreeSpot™ Directory - A listing of locations such as airports, hotels, and other businesses which offer Free Wireless High Speed Internet Access. Covers US, Europe, and other regions of the world.

Internet Basics

Bare Bones 101 - Despite the title, this is really an in-depth tutorial on how to search the Web. It explains what search engines and subject directories are, offers advice on evaluating websites and developing a search strategy, and reviews the features of several popular search engines. (University of South Carolina)

Can you trust Wikipedia? - The Guardian newspaper (UK) surveyed a panel of experts on the accuracy and usefulness of entries in the popular Wikipedia online encyclopedia. Their findings sound a cautionary note about the reliability of some internet resources. See also A False Wikipedia 'Biography' (USA Today), See Who's Editing Wikipedia (Wired Magazine), and the page on Criticism of Wikipedia in Wikipedia itself.

Evaluating Web Pages - How do you know if the information you're finding on the Web is accurate and up-to-date? This site tells you how to find out. (UC Berkeley Library)

Finding Information on the Internet - This college-level site covers everything you need to know about advanced web searching, including how to devise a search strategy, how to choose & use a browser, how to use different types of search tools, how to evaluate web pages, and how to cite internet sources. (UC Berkeley Library).

Internet Tutorials - Though this site does include explanations of basic internet terms and concepts, intermediate and experienced web searchers will find its tutorials on more advanced research techniques particularly useful. (By Laura B. Cohen, academic librarian)

KidsClick World of Web Searching - Website designed specifically to help kids learn about searching the Web. Click on 'World 1' to get started, then at the end of each page click on 'Next.' NOTE: This tutorial explains basic search concepts which are mostly still valid, but because it was created in 1999, some information and links are out of date. (Ramapo Catskill Library System / San Jose State University)

Net Tutor - A complete online course in how to use the Internet. Lessons include Getting Started on the Web, E-Mail Basics, Searching 101, and more. (Ohio State University Libraries)

Online Etiquette ('Netiquette') - Tips to help you understand the written and unwritten codes of behavior for online communications such as chat rooms, blogs, personal 'spaces', forums, e-mail, instant messaging, and text messaging (Microsoft). See also Cyberethics (Microsoft) and Family Computing Guide to Netiquette (About.com, commercial site).

Search Engines & Web Directories

Bing vs. Google new - 'Want to compare Bing & Google results? ...Just put your query in the search box and press Enter. You'll see results from both engines side by side.' (Personal site: by web developer Domagoj Pavlesic)

Deep Web Tutorial - Describes the 'Deep Web' (also called the 'Invisible Web') and how to access it. The 'Deep Web' is that part of the Internet where ordinary web search engines don't or can't go, including databases, media/non-text files, and new or frequently changing content (by Laura B. Cohen, academic librarian). See also Research Beyond Google, a guide to searching the 'invisible web' to find authoritative information sources on a variety of subjects (© 2006, Online Education Database; commercial site).

DMOZ Open Directory Project - Also not a true search engine, DMOZ sites are select by an army of volunteer editors, and organized into subject categories and sub-categories.

Foreign Search Engine Colussus - Links to search engines in hundreds of countries around the world; organized by country.

Google - One of the best and most popular search engines. You may want to try Soople Google's easy search tool or Google's list of special features for focused searches on movies, news, special file types, phone book, weather, and more. Google Labs previews new services in development. Additional Google Services include a web directory, image search, book search, University search, shopping, blogger, and various other useful tools.

Internet Archive - Many otherwise vanished web pages and similar 'born-digital' materials (or older versions of them) are still available at the Internet Archive. You can search the site for obsolete web pages, texts, audio, moving images, and software.

Ixquick Metasearch - Ixquick is unique in not permanently storing your personal user data (such as your search terms, links chosen, your IP address, User ID cookies, etc.). Read more about this feature on Ixquick's Privacy Protection page. Ixquick performs a metasearch using many popular search engines, including Ask/Teoma, MSN, Wikipedia, Netscape, Yahoo, and others (but not Google).

Pandia - Extensive list of search engines and directories. Pandia's own search tools are not recommended.

Real Guide - Links to streaming audio and video in music, sports, games, entertainment, and others.

Search.com - Search Google, Ask.com, MSN, and DMOZ all at once with this meta-search engine.

Search 22 - This site allows you to search 22 different search engines while entering your search terms only once, but you still must search the search engines one at a time. Options include regular search engines, meta-search engines, file search, news search, job search and more.

Web 2.0 Search Engines - A list of 25 new search engines that use 'Web 2.0' technology, aimed at increasing search result relevance. The list is divided into 5 categories: 'Mashups and Tagging', 'Rich Internet Application Search Interfaces', 'Social Networks', 'Visual Search', and 'Audio / Video Search' (©2007, Online Education Database; commercial site).

Yahoo! - Extensive and popular web directory. Use Yahoo! Shortcuts to find quick answers to common questions: maps, movie showtimes, airport information, dictionary or encyclopedia lookups, exchange rates, sports scores, stock quotes, weather, zip codes, and more. Yahoo Everything is an alphabetical index to all the different kinds of searches, resources, products, and services available through Yahoo, including Yahoo! Video and Yahoo! Music searches.

More Search Engines & Web Directories:

Search Engines & Web Directories for Kids:

E-Mail

BCC: Blind Carbon Copies - Do you forward jokes, photos, or other email messages to your family, friends, and co-workers? BCC, or blind carbon copy, allows you to protect their privacy when you do. Unlike addresses in the TO: field or the CC: (carbon copy) field, addresses in the BCC: field cannot be seen by other users. This page explains how, when, and why you should use BCC. (US-CERT, Department of Homeland Security)

E-Mail Basics Tutorial - Online tutorial explains what e-mail is, and teaches you about sending, replying to, and forwarding e-mail; e-mail etiquette; formatting e-mail; managing e-mail; using attachments; using mailing lists and news groups (GCF Global Learning). SW Florida PC Users Group also offers an E-Mail Basics Guide .

Free E-Mail Services - Most Internet Service Providers (ISPs) will include one or more free e-mail accounts as part of your internet service package. For those without an ISP, this extensive directory provides a brief description of alternate providers. Also includes articles and tips for using e-mail, plus other related information (commercial site). Yahoo, GMail (Google) and Hotmail (MSN/Microsoft) are popular providers of free e-mail service (commercial sites). See also Snoop-Proof E-mail, a list of e-mail providers offering secure, encrypted e-mail services (Electronic Privacy Information Center).

Overcoming E-Mail Overload - Practical tips to help you efficiently manage e-mail on the job; many of these tips will be helpful for management of your personal e-mail, too. (NPR; includes both audio and text versions)

Spam for Consumers- Help and info on dealing with spam and spam scams (Federal Trade Commission). SpamCop, a free service for reporting spam (or 'junk' e-mail) to network administrators (Ironport Systems, Inc.) offers more help with spam. How Spam Works explains how spammers get your e-mail address, and why so much annoying spam can get past your spam filter and wind up in your inbox. (HowStuffWorks, Inc.)

Web Page Design

BoogieJack - HTML tutorials, CSS tutorials, web graphics and other resources for webmasters. (Personal site; by Dennis Gaskill, a web designer)

Building a School Website - Designed for beginners, this site clearly explains the basic concepts of creating a simple web page. Does not cover CSS or other more advanced elements of web design. (Author site, formerly HTML in 5 Easy Pieces; by 'Wanda Wigglebits' / aka Jeanne Follman of Envision Group Consulting)

Flash Video Tutorials: Go to and Learn - Free video tutorials on creating a wide variety of video and image effects with Adobe Flash, Flex, and Air. (By Lee Brimelow, a web developer at Adobe)

In Pictures - Simple, easy-to-follow, illustration-based tutorials. Includes sections on HTML & CSS, MySQL Basics, PHP Basics, and Perl Basics. (No author name or credentials provided.)

J-Learning - Well-organized, informative tutorials on how to plan, build, and promote your website, with links to related resources. Written for journalists but most of the material will be useful to anyone putting together a website. Use the left-hand menu to navigate. (American University)

Webmaster Tools & Generators - Free online tools to help you easily create Flash navigational bars, Flash ToolTips, Flash Status Bars, Flash Drop-Downs, Flash Topbars and CSS Navbars; plus a directory of links to additional tools, tutorials, and web certification programs (American Association Of Webmasters). Web Design Tools links to all kinds of useful tools for the advanced web designer, including tools for accessibility, color, CSS, HTML validation, link checkers, XML, and more (University of Minnesota).

Web Monkey - A large collection of user-contributed how-to and reference guides on all aspects of web page creation, including HTML, XML, tables, frames, browsers, stylesheets, graphics, multimedia, e-business, and many others. Also includes quick reference charts and cheatsheets for JavaScript, HTML, stylesheets, browsers, Unix, etc. (Condé Nast Digital)

W3 Schools - Free step-by-step tutorials on HTML, XHTML, CSS, TCP/IP, browser scripting (JavaScript etc.), server scripting (SQL, ASP, PHP), multimedia, and more. Includes thousands of cut-and-paste examples, plus an on-line HTML editor so you can edit the examples and experiment with the code on-line. (By Refsnes Data, a software development and consulting company)

Word Processing & Other Applications

Apps & Services 2009: Best Undiscovered Apps [UPDATED!] - PC Magazine's selection of the best new online tools to 'simplify your life and your workflow.' See also Apps & Services: 2009 Classics and Best 2008 apps. (PC Magazine, commercial site)

Excel Tutorial - Step-by-step instruction in the basics of using Microsoft's Excel spreadsheet program. (By Dr. Sharon Garrison, a University of Arizona professor)

GCF Global Learning® Free Online Tutorials - Self-paced tutorials covering basic computer, Internet, and e-mail skills, as well as Microsoft Office programs (Word, PowerPoint, Excel, Access) and Open Source software. Now includes Office 2007 (Goodwill Community Foundation). See also In Pictures, described below.

Gizmo's Top Picks of the Best Utilities and Tech Resources - A useful annotated selection of links to free PC information, how-to guides, utility programs, and more. (Personal site, by Ian 'Gizmo' Richards and a group of volunteer editors)

HP Online Classes - Free online classes in computer security, home office programs (Microsoft Excel, personal data storage 101, web site basics), and more. Also offers free classes in business skills and IT (Information Technology) (Hewlett-Packard). Dell's Explore and Learn site also offers how-to advice about family safety, home office, home networking, gaming, and more.

In Pictures - Simple, easy-to-follow, illustration-based tutorials for Microsoft Office 2003 & 2007 and Open Office, plus web design & web programming basics. (No author name or credentials provided.)

Learn List [UPDATED LINK!] - A directory of selected tutorials on Photoshop, Fireworks, Dreamweaver, and a few other graphic design programs, as well as PHP, CSS and XML. (By Chris Robinson, a graphic designer)

MS Office 2007 Tutorials - This site offers outstanding lessons, basics through advanced, for using Microsoft Word, Excel, Access, and Power Point software (Florida Gulf Coast University). GCF Global Learning® Free Online Tutorials, described above, also offers tutorials on Office 2007.

Online Practice Modules - Basic tutorials for a number of popular software programs including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, DreamWeaver, HyperStudio, and Claris. MS Office sections include information for Office 2003 and 2007 versions. (By teachers Susan Brooks and Bill Byles; commercial site)

OpenOffice.org - Free downloadable software, including a word processor, spreadsheet, presentation manager, and drawing program. 'An Open Source, community-developed, multi-platform office productivity suite.'

Zamzar Free Online File Conversion - Allows users to transform computer files from their original file format to a different file format — for example, you can convert a file in DOC format to a PDF, or convert a GIF image to a JPEG. Covers dozens of image, document, music, video, and other formats. You must enter your e-mail address to receive your converted files. Other file conversion sites include You Convert It and PDF Online. (Commercial sites)

Other Technologies (audio, video, camera, cell phone, etc.)

Digital Home DIY - Instructions for dozens of digital do-it-yourself projects including how to print labels on CDs and DVDs, video chat with your DV camcorder, improve your TV picture, burn TV shows to DVD, calibrate your speakers, convert a PC into a network server, optimize your wireless network, and more (CNET.com). Dell's Explore and Learn site also offers how-to advice about digital photography, home theater, gaming, GPS and more. For more advanced users, Digital Media Center's How-Tos & Tutorials provide instructions on creating audio, video, and other digital media (Johns Hopkins University); see also O'Reilly Media. MediaShift is 'a weblog that tracks how new media — from weblogs to podcasts to citizen journalism — are changing society and culture.' (PBS)

Digital Pictures - Basic lessons in taking, printing, and sharing digital photos (Kodak). See also Short Courses, a comprehensive online guide to digital cameras, digital photography, and digital video (by author/photographer Dennis P. Curtin). Flickr Toys, Games & Utilities offers a large collection of free tools you can use to make calendars, posters, trading cards, wallpaper, 'lolcats' and lots of other fun stuff with your digital photos.

Digital Tips - This website unashamedly promotes the joys of owning and using consumer electronics, but there is also some useful information to be found amid the puffery, including tips and how-to videos for audio, digital TV, digital imaging, home networking, car and wireless electronic products. (Consumer Electronics Association)

Digital TV Transition - As of June 12, 2009, full-power television stations nationwide have been broadcasting exclusively in a digital format. If you're still using an analog TV set, or are having problems related to the digital transition, this site provides information and resources, including interactive troubleshooting guides. (Federal Communications Commission).

Electronics Recyling - Links to information on recycling electronic products.

Electronics Buying Guides - These general buying guides from Consumer Reports are free to everyone (only paid subscribers have online access to the ratings and repair records for specific products): Digital Camera Buying Guide, Computer Buying Guide, and Cell Phones & Services Buying Guide; see also How to Buy a Prepaid Phone. See also Consumer Reports Electronics Blog (Consumer Reports)

Google Mobile - Quick answers via text messaging on your cell phone. Google also offers additional products for mobile devices. See also Yahoo Mobile and ChaCha Mobile Answers.

HP Online Classes - Free online classes in digital photography, digital entertainment, personal interests & hobbies (genealogy, scrapbooking), and more. (Hewlett-Packard)

Juice Podcast Receiver new - This free, open-source software for downloading and managing audio podcast subscriptions is an easy-to-use alternative to iTunes.

Lifehacker - Tips, shortcuts, and downloads that help you improve your digital productivity. (By author Gina Trapani et al., commercial site)

Media College - Free instructional resources for all forms of electronic media, including video & television production, audio work, photography, graphics, and web design. Hundreds of tutorials, plus reference material, free downloads, and a helpful forum. (By Wavelength Media, a New Zealand multimedia production company; commercial site)

Techlore - User-contributed how-to articles on using home theater equipment, portable audio / video, PDAs, phones, satellite radio, cameras & camcorders, gaming systems, and more. Also includes discussion forums. (Capable Networks LLC, commercial site)

Text Messaging on your Cell Phone - Explains the basics of using the numbers on a cell phone keypad as a keyboard to send and receive short messages (2003; The College of New Jersey). You can also watch an instructional video series about How to Send Text Messages on Cell Phones on the e-How website. Parents who want to know more about their kids' use of the cell phone should read Cell Phone Safety (PTA), Text messaging (SMS) safety (Wired Safety, a non-profit / volunteer organization), and Cell Phone Health Risks, below.

VoIP Phone Service - Explains VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol), a technology which allows you to make telephone calls using a broadband Internet connection instead of a regular phone line (Federal Communications Commission). See also Facts for Consumers: VoIP (Federal Trade Commission).

Yahoo Tech - 'Reviews, help, and how-to advice for buying and using personal electronics.' Covers computers, phones & PDAs, cameras, camcorders, TV & home theater, mp3 players, and games. (Commercial site)

Protecting Yourself & Your Family

BCC: Blind Carbon Copies - Do you like to forward jokes, photos, or other email messages to your family and friends? BCC, or blind carbon copy, allows you to protect their privacy when you do. Unlike addresses in the TO: field or the CC: (carbon copy) field, addresses in the BCC: field cannot be seen by other users. This page explains how, when, and why you should use BCC. (US-CERT, Department of Homeland Security)

Cell Phone Health Risks [Link opens a PDF document] - Explains the need for caution in the use of cell phones, based on advice from an international expert panel (University of Pittsburgh Cancer Institute). Limit Your Exposure To Cell Phone Radiation new is a 'user-friendly interactive online guide to cell phone emissions, covering more than 1,000 phones currently on the market.' Site may not work in IE6 (Environmental Working Group).

Computer & Video Game Addiction - As with other forms of addiction, an excessive absorption with computers or video games may result in major social, school or work disruptions. This fact sheet will help you recognize the signs of addiction in children or adults. (National Institute on Media and the Family)

Computer Slang: Leetspeak - Aimed at helping parents understand how kids are communicating online, this article explains Leetspeak, 'a specific type of computer slang in which a user replaces regular letters with other keyboard characters to form words phonetically.'(Microsoft). Internet Acronyms is a handy reference guide to acronyms such as LOL, OTT, and IMO, which are commonly used in internet chat rooms and discussion forums (commercial site). Parents who want to know more about their kids' use of the cell phone for text-messaging should read Cell Phone Safety and Text messaging (SMS) safety (Wired Safety, a non-profit/volunteer organization)

Computer Workstation Ergonomics - Describes health and comfort factors to be considered in setting up your workstation (US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention). See also Ergo Tips (Cornell University) and How to Sit at a Computer (American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons).

Consumer Information: Computers & the Internet - A library of useful fact sheets and guides relating to protecting yourself while using technology and the internet. Topics covered include Buying a Computer & Internet Access, Entertainment, Online Shopping & E-Payments, Privacy & Security, Spam Email, and Web Scams. (Federal Trade Commission)

Consumer Reports Online Security Guide - Lots of information and advice on the latest security threats; covers spam, viruses, spyware, phishing scams, ID theft, and kids online. Some articles are only available to paid subscribers. See also Consumer Reports Online Security Blog (Consumer Reports)

CyberBullying - 'Cyberbullying is when a child, preteen or teen is tormented, threatened, harassed, humiliated, embarrassed or otherwise targeted by another child, preteen or teen using the Internet, interactive and digital technologies or mobile phones.' This site offers information and advice to parents, kids (by age group), educators, and law enforcement officers on how to recognize, prevent, and deal with cyberbullying. (Wired Safety, a non-profit/volunteer organization)

Dangers of Public Wi-Fi and Internet - Explains the risks associated with using public wireless or internet networks, and outlines some preventive measures you can take to avoid them. (PC Today Magazine)

Dot Cons - A brief overview of the most common online consumer frauds, with links and a toll-free number to get more info or file a complaint if you've been victimized. (Federal Trade Commission)

Internet Crime Complaint Center - Use this site to file a complaints over any type of crime committed over the Internet, including credit card fraud, retail fraud, investment fraud, auction fraud, etc. Formerly Internet Fraud Complaint Center (FBI and National White Collar Crime Center). The FBI also offers a web page on new e-scams and warnings.

Kidz Privacy - Provides practical tips for both parents and kids on protecting kids' privacy online (Federal Trade Commission). NetSmartz is another site with helpful net-safety resources for parents, kids, and teens. (National Center for Missing & Exploited Children and Boys & Girls Clubs of America). Safety Net links to other resources that 'specialize in keeping children and adolescents safer online' (American Academy of Pediatrics). Cyber Safety is a well-organized directory of cyber safety links with pages on social networking, cyberbullying, cyber predators, and more; each page is divided into separate sections for educators, parents, and students. Use the righthand menu to select a topic (California Technology Assistance Project).

Legal Guide for Bloggers - 'This guide isn't a substitute for, nor does it constitute, legal advice', but it offers 'a basic roadmap to the legal issues you may confront as a blogger' (Electronic Frontier Foundation). See also Citizen Media Law Project's Legal Guide (Harvard Law School and Center for Citizen Media). Political bloggers should also check out the Net Democracy Guide for information about how their activities might be affected by campaign finance regulations (Center for Democracy and Technology).

Microsoft: Security at Home - Tips and alerts from Microsoft to help you protect your computer, yourself, and your family from hackers, viruses, fraud, and more.

Passwords - Explains the whys and hows of creating strong passwords to protect your e-mail and other computer accounts and keep your private information secure. (University of Wyoming)

Phishing & Related Scams - Recommendations on how to avoid the fraud and identity theft that result from phishing, pharming and email spoofing, which use emails and websites that look safe but are actually stealing your personal information.

Privacy Rights Clearinghouse - Practical tips on preventing or coping with identity theft, and safeguarding your personal privacy on the Internet and elsewhere. Links to many other groups addressing privacy issues. (Nonprofit organization)

Scams & Hoaxes - If you receive a dubious email or online message, check this encyclopedia of common hoaxes before you do anything else. Exposes false virus warnings, health scares, 'free' product scams, stories of Nigerian dictators, and much more. (Trend Micro)

SafeKids.Com - Offers practical advice on protecting your kids' safety and privacy online. Includes links to related sites, plus kid-safe sites and search engines, an online safety quiz, and a 'Family Contract for Online Safety' for kids and parents to sign. (Commercial site; by broadcaster and syndicated columnist Larry Magid.)

Security Starter Kit 2010 new - Free downloads of recommended software for virus protection, spyware removal, in-browser security, firewall, encryption, and parental control. (Commercial site: CNET.com, a CBS Interactive site).

Security Software and Anti-Spyware Programs - Product reviews and related advice from PC Magazine (commercial site).

Stay Safe Online - This website gives you the information you need to secure your home computer, including tips on how to safeguard your system, a self-guided cyber security test, educational materials, and other Internet resources (National Cyber Security Alliance). See also Looks Too Good To Be True for advice on recognizing and avoiding all kinds of online scams including identity theft, hacking, phishing / spoofing, spam, spyware, financial fraud, auction fraud, investment frauds, job scams, Ponzi & Pyramid schemes, auction fraud, sweepstakes / lottery Fraud, counterfeit payments fraud, and more; and OnGuard Online for more practical tips to help you be on guard against Internet fraud, secure your computer, and protect your personal information (U. S. Postal Inspection Service, FBI, et al.). Still more cyber-security tips are available at US-CERT (Department of Homeland Security).

Surf the Net Safely - Tips on protecting yourself and your computer from viruses, worms, trojans, adware, spyware, and various other security problems. (By Victor Laurie, a retired chemistry professor & volunteer computer instructor)