Library Programs & Classes
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.
Learn about safety tips and good practices when using the Internet. Classes specifically for seniors or children are held periodically as well.
If you don't see any classes for the current month be sure to click through to the next month in the calendar.
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Library Online Resources
Learn how to protect yourself on the Web. Use the safety tips and practices in this tutorial to become Internet safe.
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.
Find full-text articles from major computer magazines on topics like malware and Facebook security. Don't forget to visit your favorite computer magazine's website to find reviews of Internet security software too.
Use this database to find contact information for businesses including company headquarters or a parent company.
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File a Consumer Complaint
Knowing where to file a complaint can be confusing. Explore the following websites to find the one that best suits your situation.
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Consumer Savvy Websites
Learn how to protect yourself from consumer fraud with this list of common scams and financial pitfalls.
Find out how Florida protects individuals and businesses from illegal practices. They have information for consumers and businesses. You can also browse or search the A-Z Resource Guide.
Investigate this collection of consumer tips from financial authorities like the U.S. Department of the Treasury, the FDIC, HUD, and others.
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.
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.
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Library Materials
Learn how hackers operate and what you can do to protect your computer from malicious activity.
Protect yourself from scams and fraud by learning to recognize them before it's too late.
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
Library Online Resources
What would you do if you encountered a cyberbully? Play through our interactive hands-on tutorial to test yourself. Take the challenge now!
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.
Websites
Learn all about cyberbullying, social networking,and privacy through articles, videos, and quizzes in this neat site from The Girl Scouts of the USA.
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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Online Safety Websites
Checking your credit report is an essential part of identity theft prevention. The Office of the Florida Attorney General states that this website is the only official free credit report site on the Web.
Browse their comprehensive identity theft information. There is vital information here that you should know to protect yourself and your family.
Use password security testers to test your password skills. Practice until you can learn how to make a strong password. You might also enjoy the password meter website which can tell you which parts of a password are weak.
Spend some time exploring the content of this large website. There are many thought provoking articles and fact sheets like:
Social Networking Privacy: How to be Safe, Secure and Social
Protect yourself and your family with this comprehensive website. Wired Safety focuses on providing parents with the information they need to keep their children safe on the Web. Take a look at the Protecting Your Privacy on Facebook Tutorial to see if your security settings are at the level you need.
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Social
Explore the world of social media with this large, eclectic, and searchable blog. Try a search like "facebook privacy" and get the latest posts on this important topic.
Search for blogs and blog postings about online safety. Technorati is a search engine that searches blogs. You can search for blogs with content on specific (or general) security issues and Technorati will rank them by their authority.
Keep informed with this blog, from Wired Magazine, on current online threats. It's not just about viruses and other malware, it reports on privacy, cybercrime, and politics too.
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