21 st Century Family Electronics

1. Tips for getting the Most Enjoyment and Safe Usage 21st Century Family Electronics

2. Electronic devices today provide both communication and recreation to entire families • Computers • Cell Phones • Cameras • Gaming Systems • Tips discussed herein are primarily geared toward Parents and Teenagers • Be realistic • The internet and modern electronics are wonderful tools and sources of entertainment • However, Bad things are out there and you and your kids will encounter them • Violent images • Porn • Bad Language • Predators • Sexual • Financial • Bullys and bad behavior • Plan, teach, and monitor expectations and proper responses Intro

3. Enjoy: • Internet connection is useful for Computers, Game Systems, and other household electronics • More bandwidth = faster response time = more fun • Lite / DLS - 768 Kbps/128 kbit/s • RoadRunner Basic - 1.5 Mbps/384 kbit/s • RoadRunner Standard with Power Boost - 7 Mbps/512 Kbps (bursts: 10 Mbps/512 Kbps) • Wireless router = more flexibility = more fun • Inexpensive ($29 - $150+, good one ~$50 (Staples)) • Safety: • Change the password on your router! • All routers ship with the SAME password from factory • Set up your router with WPA or WEP encryption • Do not broadcast your Network Connecting to the Internet from Home

4. Enjoy: • Laptops more versatile; also more expensive • Typically wireless • Desktops more powerful • Bigger monitor = more enjoyment • Hardwired preferred • Don’t buy used; don’t buy “old” models; don’t buy unknown brands • Safety: • SUBSCRIBE to antivirus (Macafee / Norton) • If not a MAC, then All machines, no exceptions • Put a logon password on every machine • Buy the warranty • Applecare = 3 years • Others, 1-3 years Home Computers

5. Enjoy: • There is so much to see and do and learn • Use it to research before you make purchases • Safety: • There are ways to filter and block undesired sites • Limited in effectiveness • Best defense is a good offense • Talk to your kids about what is expected • Keep kids within listening distance • No closed doors • Perform casual walk-by’s • Limit surf time • Occaisionally audit • Check History = very easy to do • No history can mean a problem too! • Do NOT Surf without Antivirus software! Using the Internet

6. Enjoy: • Not really, no one likes typing passwords! • Safety: • Use Passwords on • Routers • Computers • Phones • Anything else that allows them • Parents demand to know all passwords at all times for all devices • Test that you can log on • Encryption • For files / email = generally not needed for typical family use Passwords & Encryption

7. Enjoy: • Typically you can get a free account with plenty of storage capacity • Can use web client (yahoomail, others) • Keeps mail safely backed up and stored on servers • Accessible from any internet-connected web browser • They scan your email • Can also use a client mail software • MS Outlook, MS Outlook Express, iMail • Keeps mail local, uses disk space, accessible only on that computer • Safety: • Don’t use email unless you have antivirus software! eMail

8. Know what folders your files are stored in • When in doubt, use MyDocuments folder for documents • Create sub-folders • Use MyPictures for picture files • Can buy an internet-based backup service (Carbonite) • May impact performance of your internet connection and/or computer • Recurring cost • Use Flashdrives / External hard drives • USB • Burn CD Protecting Your Data

9. Enjoy: • For most people, this means Facebook, YouTube, MySpace, and Instant Messaging • Keep in touch, share, socialize • Safety: • “Its who you know” • Friends and Contacts should only be people that are known • Limited personal information • Limited Pictures • Appropriate pictures only • Screen friends/Contacts • Parents must be a contact/friend for each account • Parents must • Be Suspicious – there are predators out there • Remember – people are watching • School officials • College Recruiters • Prospective employers Social Internet Media

10. Enjoy: • Keep in touch • Share life moments • Be more efficient • Safety: • Don’t get them wet – voids warranty, is detectable! • Easily stolen • Use passwords (parents, you MUST know the password) • Limit talking/texting time • Avoid temptation - Turn OFF at bedtime/study time Cell Phones

11. Contacts • Back them up • Verizon provides this app for free on many phones/plans • Parents - get your kids contacts! • Batteries die; other reasons you don’t want to think about • Family Locator (Verizon) • Costs money monthly • Kids know when you are using it • Make it a condition of having the phone from day one • Tell them if they have a phone, they must always • Keep it charged • Keep it with them • No excuses! Cell Phones – Safety Continued

12. Texting • Its who you know • Content - Tell them to keep it nice • Sexting • Harassing • Bullying • Set example • Don’t text while driving • Don’t text while conversing with others • Cameras/Pictures • Only send /post pictures that are appropriate • No nudity • No inappropriate behavior • No innuendo Cell Phones – Special Topics

13. Enjoy: • Don’t skimp on controllers • Have enough bandwidth • Most game systems have something all ages can enjoy and/or play together • DO play together • Rock Band! Gaming

14. Safety: • Most systems have internet gaming capability • Useful if not required / Desirable for certain • Use passwords (parents must know passwords) • Know their player name • Do NOT use real name or provide identifying information • ASK who they are playing with, how old etc. • Get to “know” the regulars • Limit time allowed for play • IF a credit card is needed, PARENT should be present and read the screens! • Game Choices • Many games involve “violence” • Keep play within Listening distance • Intervene if too raucous, swearing, arguing, bullying etc… erupts • Most games have means to report bad behavior • Players sanctioned • End play if necessary to calm things down Gaming

15. Computers / Laptops • 3 years • Destroy Hard Drive when disposing • Wireless Router • 2-3 years • Cell Phone • <2 years • Look at retail cost of phone instead of contract from time to time • Beware when buying insurance • Game system • 2-3 years • Digital camera • 3 years • WHY? • Technology changes • General wear and tear • Look at Extended Warranties to cover the useful life • Exceeding Useful Life Will Affect Enjoyment! Useful Life Expectancy of Technology

16. To avoid problems and have the most fun with these modern electronics: • Have the right equipment and bandwidth • Be familiar with the electronic equipment and the “spaces” they create for your family to enjoy • Use passwords, know your kid’s passwords • Insist on “family” electronic environments • Doors open, listening distance, walk throughs • It’s Who You Know – don’t talk to strangers • Limit time • Do it together! Summing it Up