Using the Internet Safely For Seniors

➟ Use little graphical images, called emoticons(such as

smilies or winks) and avatars,to add fun to your IM

messages.

➟ See participants via Web cameras.

➟ Get and send e-mail.

➟ Search the Web, find others using Global Positioning

System (GPS) technology, listen to music, watch

videos, play games, bid on auctions, find dates,

and more.

➟ Track the history of conversations and even save tran-

scripts of them to review later.

Instant messaging programs vary somewhat, and you have several to

choose from, including Windows Live Messenger (available at http://

download.live.com/?sku=messenger), Yahoo! Messenger (avail-

able at http://messenger.yahoo.com), and AOL Instant

Messenger, also know as AIM, (available at http://www.aim.com).

To get started with a new messaging program, you need to follow the

general steps in the upcoming list. But as with any software, if you

aren’t sure how to use its features, consult its Help documentation for

specific instructions.

1. Download and install the messaging program according
   to the instructions on the provider’s Web site.

2.Set up an account and sign in; this may simply involve

entering your e-mail address and password.

You can send IMs from a computer to a mobile phone

(and vice versa) and from one mobile phone to

another. If you include your mobile phone number as

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Part II: Using the Internet While Dodging the Risk