NEDCAB Youth Advice

Internet Safety
Catching a virus
How to avoid a virus
Free internet access
Other useful links

	Internet Safety E-mail enables you to contact, and be contacted by, people from all over the world. However, not everyone you come across via e-mail will have your best interests at heart. If you met a complete stranger in the street, you wouldn't give him your full name, home address and telephone number, so don't give this information to people you've contacted by e-mail. Remember that you don't know them. Never arrange to meet someone in person whom you've only corresponded with via e-mail, the people you meet this way are strangers and may not be who they say they are. Don't send a rude e-mail and think that it can't be traced back to you - it can. Every message that travels by e-mail contains information about the computer it came from, it's route via the Internet and it's destination. Information taken from Childrens Helpline Magazine

	Catching a virus A computer virus is a program created to damage computer systems on purpose. Viruses can cause a variety of problems, from silly messages appearing on your screen, to the permanent destruction of information stored on your computer. Viruses are caused by using infected programs on your computer. For example, an attachment sent to you via e-mail may contain a virus. When you use the program, the virus will infect your computer. A friend can send you an infected program without realising it. Information taken from Childrens Helpline Magazine

	How to avoid a virus Use a Virus Checker to check any programs you receive via e-mail. Always back up important files on your computer regularly. This means copying the data onto floppy discs or CDs, then if your machine becomes infected by a virus, you can use your back-up disks to replace any information which has been lost or damaged. Information taken from Childrens Helpline Magazine

	Free Internet Access! Anyone with a b_line card can get FREE Internet and Email access in Derbyshire libraries. You're advised to to book time in advance (for up to 1 hour) but it is not essential. To take advantage of the offer you need to be a library member. To join simply take in something which shows your name and home address (such as a medical card, bank statement, building society passbook or similar) and you'll get your new library card on the spot, completely free. For opening hours and more information on services offered by Derbyshire libraries, click here.

	Other useful links:	View Disclaimer
	BBC Webwise The BBC's beginner's guide to the Internet including instant answers and an online course Interactive Age Check Scheme which lets online stores validate a buyers age before selling the goods Splash Plastic Similar to topping up a mobile phone, Splash Plastic allows you to buy from the web without a credit card How Computer Viruses Work Think U Know Where you get the inside info on how to stay safe while having fun online. For Kids By Kids Online Tons of information on keeping safe on the internet. Also includes advice on emails, peer to peer and mobile phones