security on the internet

The Internet is not secure. This means that you should not consider your communications as being free from the prying eyes of others. In recent times there has been a keen interest in making the Internet more and more secure. One form of security has succeeded so well that the designer has ended up in trouble from the CIA because they can't interpret his messages. (He may be sending secret information to the other side.) Another was cracked - but it took them 48 hours just to decipher one fraction of the whole message.

Browsers do provide a secure method for the transfer of moneys via credit card.

When using Netscape you know you have a secure connection if the padlock in the lower left is locked.

However, always think twice about sending money over the Internet. Only deal with reputable companies. The Internet is as secure as a telephone.

Make it safe for kids

There are many sites that are considered unsuitable for most people. Software is available that is used to filter out these sites. You might check out Net Nanny. Or go to a search engine such as Google and search for 'web filter'.

Internet Explorer has a built in process that filters sites automatically. This is accessed through Tools | Internet options | Content. Experiment with the different settings.