Seniors Online: Safe, Smart, and Active

Introduction

From health care to finances to emailing loved ones, the Internet is a safe and convenient way for seniors to save time and stay active. And while computers and the Internet can be daunting at first, it’s easy to learn how to use them safely and efficiently.

Stay informed, stay in touch

The Internet is full of opportunities for seniors:

• Email, instant messaging, and personal Web sites provide a cheap and easy way to stay in touch with family and friends
• Goods not delivered – This is simply when consumers don’t receive goods they’ve paid for online. After auction fraud, this is the second most common Internet scam.
• The Internet is loaded with major news sources, dictionaries, and encyclopedias
• Research your family history online
• From gardening tips to travel articles, online communities enrich your lifestyle
• With online banking, you can pay your bills automatically and check your balance—any time of day
• Bypass the mall or the post office, online stores are an excellent way to buy and ship gifts to almost anywhere in the world
• Many health care providers have Web sites where you can find a doctor, track your benefits, schedule appointments, and even order prescription refills

Learning the basics

Basic computer skills are easy to learn and training resources abound. Many senior centers, community colleges, and clubs offer computer classes. The Internet itself has resources; organizations like SeniorNet and  AARP< /A>  are committed to educating and enabling seniors online.

Securing your computer

Staying safe on the Internet requires awareness and the right tools. High-tech burglars and vandals use viruses and other methods to compromise computers; so, just as you use locks to keep criminals out of your home, you also need to secure your computer. For example, use Norton Internet Security to set up a perimeter around your computer. Like a home security system, it blocks intruders while letting friends through. It also automatically detects and removes dangerous viruses.

Avoiding scams

Unfortunately, there are con artists at work on the Internet. For instance, you may receive an email explaining how you’re entitled to money from a long lost relative’s estate. All you have to do is provide your bank account number to a lawyer in Kenya. Don’t respond to these kinds of emails; simply delete them. If your instincts tell you something seems too good to be true, it probably is.

Never give out your social security number online. In scams known as phishing attacks, criminals impersonate legitimate organizations to elicit personal or financial information. They use fake emails and Web sites to masquerade as banks, government agencies, online auction sites, and even charities. These scams arrive unsolicited in your email box—and that’s the first clue they’re not legitimate. No reputable company or organization will ask for social security numbers or other sensitive information in an unsolicited email.

Many of these emails will direct you to a Web site to enter information. While the Web site may sport the company’s logo and appear completely legitimate, if you look closely at the Web address, you’ll probably find it doesn’t match the organization’s actual address.

Don’t respond to unsolicited emails, and always contact an organization directly before providing any personal information online.

Summary

Although the Internet may seem intimidating at first, it’s more than worth the time it takes to learn the basics. Before you know it, you’ll be surfing like a pro.

Related Products

Norton AntiVirus 2007
Norton Internet Security 2007