The Chronicles
November 2007
Over the last few months we've been looking at the Internet, E-mails and the protection of our computer whilst using these mediums. I've received many e-mails from you all asking me why, oh WHY, are there so many "rules" to follow. Unfortunately I can't really give you a simple answer; however, I did find something that you may find amusing on the following Website ( www.worldstart.com ). To put it into perspective, if I were to parallel real life to computer usage I would say it's like religion. Each religious group has its Commandments. If you are a believer, you do not question these and you apply them into your everyday life because you are told that it is necessary to help you be a better person and to enrich your community. The Internet also has its rules and to follow them helps keep us and our computers safe!!!
So here they are, "The Ten Net Commandments":
- Thou shalt not buy merchandise found in pop up ads or spam.
- Thou shalt not post thy e-mail address, phone number, address or social security number on the Internet, nor shalt thou post anyone else's. *
- Thou shalt not forget to update thy Windows every second Tuesday.
- Thou shalt not connect to the Internet without installing an antivirus, nor shalt thou begin a scan without checking for updates.
- Thou shalt not connect to the Internet without installing a firewall.
- Thou shalt not covet thy neighbor's credit card number, nor his bank routing number, nor his social security number.
- Thou shalt not enter thy credit card number without seeing the tiny padlock icon on thy status bar.
- Thou shalt not reply to the e-mail from the Nigerian banker.
- Thou shalt not forward chain letters to thy friends and family.
- Thou shalt not use "password" as thy password, nor thy birthday, nor thy childrens' names.
I hope that answers your questions. I guess what is being said here is - it’s for your own good; follow the rules and playing with the Internet will be fun and safe for all.
Bye for now and look after yourselves!
questions.monamilordi@gmail.com
* I’d like to make a little note here as, if you really know what you are doing, there are times when it is ok to put your e-mail address and phone number on the Internet.
DID YOU KNOW:
"The Ten Net Commandments" list was put together by Mr. Mike Healan who works for Spywareinfo.
This article originally appeared in Main Street – The Laurentians' English Language Community Newspaper.
