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Online Safety

If you are viewing this page from home, you will need your Orange County resident library card to access some of the resources.

Library Programs & Classes

Internet Safety: Computer Class »

Learn about safety tips and good practices when using the Internet. Classes specifically for seniors or children are held periodically as well.

eBay Buying: Computer Class »

Learn how to register to use eBay and search for items to bid on. If you are interested in this class, you might also enjoy the eBay Selling class.

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Library Materials

Computer Security »

Learn how hackers operate and what you can do to protect your computer from malicious activity.

Fraud Prevention »

Protect yourself from scams and fraud by learning to recognize them before it's too late.

Internet and Teenagers »

Books and DVDs for parents and educators that discuss what going through adolescence in the Internet Age is like and how it is impacting youth today.

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Kids & Teens Kids & Teens

Library Online Resources

Internet Safety

The Library has a few tips for being safe online for kids. We also have suggested search engines for kids and cool sites.

Student Edition »

Online safety is in the news often, you can browse popular newspapers and magazines to read current articles and those from the past. Try a search for more specific topics like password safety.

Web Sites

LMK: Life Online »

Learn all about cyber bullying, social networking, online sexual predators, privacy, and mobile devices through articles, videos, and quizzes in this neat site from The Girl Scouts of the USA.

Netsmartz »

Resources for parents, educators, law enforcement, teens and kids. Timely topics like cyber bullying are addressed in interactive kid and teen sites.

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File a Consumer Complaint:

Knowing where to file a complaint can be confusing. Explore the following sites to find the one that best suits your situation.

Better Business Bureau Online Complaint System

Federal Trade Commission Bureau of Consumer Protection

File a Complaint: Division of Consumer Services, DOACS(Florida Division of Consumer Services)

Greg Dawson
(gdawson@orlandosentinel.com): E-mail address of Orlando Sentinel's consumer advocate.

Report Unsafe Products: U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission

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Library Online Resources

Buyer Beware with Greg Dawson »

The Orlando Sentinel's own consumer advocate Greg Dawson visits the Library and shares stories about his work and tips on how to avoid getting scammed in this video from OCLS.

Computer Database »

Find antivirus, antispyware, and other antimalware reviews from major computer magazines. Don't forget to visit your favorite computer magazine's Web site to find reviews of Internet security software too.

Reference USA »

Use this database to find contact information for businesses including company headquarters or a parent company.

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Web Sites

Consumer Savvy

Florida Attorney General's Office »

Learn how to protect yourself from consumer fraud with this list of common scams and financial pitfalls.

Florida Division of Consumer Services »

Find out how Florida protects individuals and businesses from illegal practices. They have information for consumers and businesses.

Florida Office of Financial
Regulation »

Investigate this collection of consumer tips from financial authorities like the U.S. Department of the Treasury, the FDIC, HUD, and others.

The Last Resort »

Contact Orlando Sentinel columnist Greg Dawson. He is recognized for being able to resolve conflicts between consumers and other parties when other avenues have failed. His column is also valuable for local scam advice and frequent updates.

Sunbiz™ - The Florida Division of Corporations »

Search for information on corporations, limited liability companies, partnerships, trademarks, and much more. Use the Document Searches page to see if a company is registered in Florida.

View more consumer Web sites in our NetLinks »

Online Safety

AnnualCreditReport.com »

Checking your credit report is an essential part of identity theft prevention. The Office of the Florida Attorney General states that this site is the only official free credit report site on the Web.

Federal Trade Commission »

Browse their comprehensive identity theft information. There is vital information here that you should know to protect yourself and your family.

Identity Theft Resource Center »

Press the big red button that says "Help I'm a victim of identity theft". This is a nonprofit organization that helps the victims of identity theft.

Protect Your Computer: Firewall Security, Security Updates, Antivirus, and Antispyware
Software »

Increase your online security with four basic strategies from Microsoft. They also have a large security at home section.

Microsoft's Password Checker »

Use password security testers to test your password skills. Of course, don't use your own password or even use one you have typed into the tester. Practice until you can learn how to make a strong password. You might also enjoy the password meter site which can tell you which parts of your password are weak.

View more online safety Web sites in our NetLinks »


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