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Are you a Web newbie? Take this lesson and transform yourself into a full-fledge netizen. WHO'S ZOOMING WHOM? First, know that just as in the "real world," online people aren't always who they appear to be. You needn't be wary, but do exercise caution. Don't give out personal information unless it's really warranted and you are very clear on who is receiving that information. If you come across an online offer that sounds too good to be true, it probably is. With the notable exception of freeware and shareware, freebies in cyberspace are much like they are in the real world. You just can't get a diploma from an Ivy League school by pointing and clicking. (Though pointing and clicking can lead to a much-coveted Oprah Goes Online diploma!) THINK BEFORE YOU TYPE Don't post to a newsgroup, mailing list, or chat room until you've lurked for a while and/or read the FAQ (if there is one). While chatting online is easy, perfecting your cyberchatting skills takes some effort. To make sure your thoughts are clearly communicated, simplicity and brevity are always best. Using emoticons helps send a clear message. Maybe in space "no one can hear you scream," but in cyberspace they can! DON'T TYPE USING ALL CAPITAL LETTERS. It's the online equivalent of shouting, which is annoying, as well as aesthetically unpleasant. E-MAIL ISSUES Getting inundated with e-mail from sites you visited once three weeks ago? You probably signed up for a newsletter, or similar mailing from the site. Many sites will automatically put you on lists for such missives. When you fill out registration forms, or any kind of form that asks for your e-mail address, look for a check box that signs you up for mailings. If you don't want to be on the list, uncheck the box. Junk mail doesn't only come by snail mail. Just as in the real world, you buy one thing by mail, and suddenly, you're getting 27 catalogs a day. Web sites exchange lists of subscribers. Another good reason to uncheck boxes when signing up. If you get an e-mail message from an address you don't recognize and it has an attachment, beware. Viruses and bugs are rife in unsolicited e-mail attachments. The best thing to do is to trash the attachment immediately and empty the trash. ALWAYS LOG OFF If you use a public computer -- in a cyber cafe or at work -- make sure that you don't save your usernames and passwords, and always log off. This is especially important if you've been shopping -- details like your credit card number could be stored on the computer. In fact, it's probably not a good idea to shop from any computer that will be used by people other than your nearest and dearest. Whether at home or abroad, remember to disconnect when you are done surfing. Although you're probably not being charged by the minute for your Internet connection, the more people who stay online indefinitely, the slower the system runs for everyone. print this lesson | back to lesson main page Clean up your e-mail act. Locate e-mails you've received but don't want, and figure out how to get yourself off the mailing list. There should be instructions for doing so at the end of any such message. Also, try sharpening your online communication skills by learning - and using - a few emoticons or acronyms in your next chat, newsgroup post, or e-mail.