INSIDE THIS ISSUE Facebook Alert Watch Out For Survey Scams Websites From Simple To Complex Two To View A Couple Of Amazing Videos Of The Japan Disaster This Month's FAQ Is The Internet Running Out Of IP Addresses? Sites Of The Month Great Sites To Check Out In April Short Tutorial Adjusting The Cookie Settings On Your Browser |
Hello West Central Internet Subscribers Like spring weather, the content of this April issue is a mixture of "rain clouds and sunshine." We share videos of the very dark days in Japan following the earthquake and tsunami, and also warn you about the growing number of Facebook survey scams. But on a brighter note, you'll find reassurance about the upcoming Internet transition from IPv4 to IPv6 as well as websites featuring fun diversions such as popping virtual Bubble Wrap, touring famous art museums, and trying your hand at word search puzzles. The goal of each of our eNewsletters is to keep our subscribers informed regarding their Internet connection and to improve their Internet experience. We think you'll find this information interesting. To see what's inside this issue, simply scroll down the eNewsletter or click on the links within the index to the left. Thanks for reading! - West Central Internet Services Team |
Facebook Alert – Watch Out For Survey Scams
Scammers have identified Facebook as an easy place to make money through survey scams. These scams are now rampant and there are too many variations to describe here in detail. However, we'll share the elements of survey scams so it will be easier for you and your Facebook friends to spot them.
It starts with the bait, which is typically one of these types:
Remember, if a Facebook page or any site insists that you share a piece of content or do a survey before reaching the promised destination, it's likely a scam. If you've fallen for these (or similar) scams, remove the message from your status, newsfeed, and your Likes and Interests in Facebook's "Edit my Profile" menu.
Websites – From Simple To Complex
Build a Simple Website for your Business - Is your business easily found on-line?
Can your current customers or potential customers find you on-line? Are you able to remind and connect with your customers on-line? Afraid that jumping into hosting a website will take all your time? Wondering if it will be more complicated than you expected? In this workshop you will be able to pick from four options to create an on-line presence that will be easy to maintain. This is a hands-on workshop and you will leave with a framework started for your website. This workshop is made available at no charge through the University of Minnesota Extension as part of the Minnesota Intelligent Rural Communities program coordinated by the Blandin Foundation of Grand Rapids, Minnesota and funded by a US Department of Commerce grant. Monday, April 21 Menahga School 6-9 p.m. Monday, May 2 Sebeka School 6-9 pm To register Call (218) 837-5151 For more information contact your local MIRC coordinator:
Two To View – A Couple Of Amazing Videos Of The Japan Disaster
The devastation in Japan caused by the earthquake and tsunami is almost too horrific to believe, as evidenced by these two videos. If you'd like to help, you can visit www.redcross.org.
This Month's FAQ – Is The Internet Running Out Of IP Addresses?
Question: I heard something on the news about the Internet running out of IP addresses. What's that all about?
Answer: A transition is taking place to a new Internet Protocol called IPv6. Here's the background on the transition: Every device that connects to the Internet needs a unique IP address to identify it; websites need them as well. An IP address is actually a set of binary numbers but to make them easier for us to remember, they're usually displayed in decimal format. For example, in Internet Protocol version 4 (IPv4), the 32-bit binary number 11011000.00011011.00111101.10001001 would appear as 216.27.61.137. Since 1981, IP addresses have used IPv4, which allows for roughly 4.3 billion 32-bit addresses. After years of rapid Internet expansion, however, the pool of available unallocated addresses for IPv4 will soon be depleted. The solution is for the Internet to upgrade to IPv6, which uses 128-bit addresses and therefore allows trillions of unique numbers. This change from IPv4 to IPv6 will be primarily managed by commercial websites and Internet service providers. As a consumer, you'll want to check with the manufacturers of your gear (such as routers and computers) to make sure it supports IPv6.
Sites Of The Month – Great Sites To Check Out In April
Word Search Puzzles
onlinewordsearch.org – Get your brain working with fun word search puzzles in dozens of categories such as fitness, garden, space, animals, music, holidays, seasons, and sports. Puzzles with wedding and baby themes are also included so this is a great place to look for games to play at showers this spring. Virtual Art Tours googleartproject.com – Can't get to Paris or Florence to view famous works of art? This site is the next best thing. It lets you wander from room to room at world-renowned art museums as if you're walking through them. You can even zoom in on the paintings for a closer look at colors and brushstrokes. Play With Bubble Wrap® bubblewrapfun.com – There's something about Bubble Wrap that people of all ages find appealing and this site caters to that fascination. The Bubble Machine allows you to pop Bubble Wrap with your mouse pointer —almost as much fun as doing it for real. Other activities include Bubble Paint and Bubble Quizzes. Check out the Pop Pix section to see whimsical photos of people using Bubble Wrap in different ways. Social Networking for Kids togetherville.com – If you're tired of your younger kids asking why they can't join Facebook, you'll love this site. It's a social networking site especially for children. Recently purchased by Disney, it creates a safe place for "kids and their grownups" to play online. While the social component features Facebook-like interactions, it's perfectly safe since you have control over the people your kids interact with. Recipes For Your Ingredients supercook.com – You know the situation: It's time for dinner, and about all you have in your refrigerator are some chicken, a bell pepper, parsley, and a piece of cheese. What to do? Go to this site, type in your ingredients, and get ideas for recipes that use those ingredients (and maybe a few staples from your cupboard). When you find a recipe you want to try, click on it to get instructions and reviews.
Short Tutorial – Adjusting The Cookie Settings On Your Browser
In computer terms, a cookie is a very small text file placed on your hard drive by a server when you visit a website. It is essentially your identification card, and its job is to keep track of your preferences and store information such as your e-mail address. Cookies can actually save you time by eliminating the need to re-enter your information every time you make inquiries or purchases at your favorite websites.
However, if you are concerned about websites placing cookies on your browser, you can adjust the setting to block all cookies or to accept cookies only in some situations. Follow the steps below for your browser and operating system. Adjusting Your Browser's Cookie Settings When Using ... Internet Browser: Internet Explorer 8 Computer Operating System: Windows XP, Windows Vista, and Windows 7
Internet Browser: Mozilla Firefox 3.6 Computer Operating System: Windows XP, Windows Vista, and Windows 7
Internet Browser: Mozilla Firefox 3.6 Computer Operating System: Mac OS X 10.5
Internet Browser: Safari 5.0 Computer Operating System: Windows XP, Windows Vista, Windows 7, and Mac OS X 10.5
Internet Browser: Google Chrome 10 Computer Operating System: Windows XP, Windows Vista, Windows 7, Mac OS X 10.5 and up
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Thanks for your business! Best regards The WCTA Communications Team Internet Specialists WCTA Sebeka 308 Frontage Road Box 304 Sebeka, MN 56477 1-218-837-5151 or toll free at 1-800-945-2163 Trademarks: All brand names and product names used in this eNewsletter are trade names, service marks, trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective owners. |