INTERNET/WEB BROWSERS & SEARCH ENGINES
What is a browser?
Examples of browsers: • Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, Internet Explorer,
Safari (Apple devices)
Is a search engine something different?
Examples of search engines:• Bing, Google
PRIVACY SETTINGS
Cookies
Search history
IE = settings can be changed under “Tools”
Firefox = look for 3 lines in upper right hand corner to change settings
Chrome =look for 3 lines in upper right hand corner
Safari = under Settings, Safari icon, clear history, cookies, etc.
Password security --
Most browsers give you the option to remember passwords.
These settings can be changed
ANATOMY OF A WEBSITE ADDRESSWhat is a URL? Universal Resource Locator or a website’s
address
includes the protocol (usually “http “or “https”) the name of the server and sometimes the file name and format
http://plumlibrary.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/molly.pdf
Domains
Examples of “top-level” domains
.com .gov .edu .net .mil .org .int
Different countries can have different domain extensions
Examples.ca = Canada .cn = China .de = Germany .ru = Russia
SEARCH TIPS
Be as specific as you can
Most browsers enable you to do an advanced search
Insert examples
Use keywords Insert examples
Boolean searches Insert examples
I GOT RESULTS, NOW WHAT DO I CLICK ON?(HOW TO TELL IF A SITE IS RELIABLE)
• Check URL •Check spelling, domain extension, etc.•When was the website last updated?
• Sponsored content
• 1st choice on results list is not necessarily the best choice
• Be careful about downloading
RELIABLE SOURCES
Library Links
Check Library List of Databases :
http://erec.einetwork.net/
These are resources that the library either subscribes to or recommends
Check government sources
http://www.usa.gov/
Example of a good source for health information:
http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/
SECURITY TIPS
Use an antivirus/anti-malware program and set it to download updates automatically
Norton, McAfee, Symantec, etc. Purchase from a reliable source (Best Buy, HH Gregg, etc.)
Do not click on pop-up boxes offering to clean your computer, etc.
Be careful about opening email attachments and downloading software from the internet
If something is too good to be true, it likely is
Don’t use the same password for everything!!! Passwords should be at least 8 characters long contain a combination
of numbers, letters and symbols and should be difficult to guess Think of a phrase or sentence to help you remember…
I eat Ben & Jerry’s Greek frozen yogurt= IeB&JGfy
SECURITY TIPS CONTINUED
Check if a website is secure and connection is encrypted before entering personal information
https://catalog.einetwork.net/patroninfo
Click on the lock icon in the web address box to see if the site is encrypted and to verify you are connected to the correct domain.
Beware of Phishing
Check spelling when you type URL
Before clicking on a link from a list of search results or in an email hover over the address to see if the link is for the correct domain.
FACEBOOK INFO / PRIVACY SETTINGS
http://www.gcflearnfree.org/facebook101/4