by Leigh Goessl

Created on: June 19, 2009

Computer safety has become a realistic concern of everyday life. Using a computer is no longer a novelty, it is a necessity. Even people who aren't actively using the Internet are at risk because everyone else is using electronic storage and communication.

Nowadays computer technology has been almost seamlessly integrated into the various facets of everyday living. There is no longer a choice whether or not a person wants to go automated because the reality is most organizations and businesses are going the technological route and there is no turning back.

Understanding computer safety is not much different from traditional safety lessons. Growing up you learned and later instinctively knew how to correctly cross a street. You also were likely taught how to deal with strangers. Computer safety is not much different of a life lesson because nowadays computers are firmly implanted in daily life.

Due to the high integration of technology, everyone who touches a computer should have a basic understanding of how to safety use computers.

Here are a few tips to help you get started on learning about computer safety:

*Educate Yourself

This doesn't mean you have to be a computer whiz, but what it does mean is you should have a basic understanding about how to safely navigate the web, protect passwords and how to differentiate scams from legitimate web pages or e-mail.

Educating yourself on safe computing and Internet practices can't be emphasized enough. If you don't make yourself aware of the risks, how will you know how to protect yourself from them? A lack of knowledge is likely to lead you to put yourself and your personal information in potential harm's way. If you can learn about the darker side of the Internet where the dangers lie, you can use this knowledge to avoid the pitfalls.

There are many scams out there looking to steal your password. Maintaining safe password practices is essential for computer safety because your passwords are the digital keys to your virtual door. Just as you wouldn't give away your house key or leave copies lying about, the same philosophy should apply to passwords.

Safe password practices include never writing your password down and don't share it with anyone else. Reputable businesses and websites will never ask for your password, and if you can remember this, you'll have protected yourself from many of the scams online. Keep in mind if anyone tries to gently or blatantly obtain your password, make sure your radar goes

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