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A Very Brief
MySpace Tutorial |
 Perhaps you really don't know anything about MySpace, but you've heard your kids
talk about it. Maybe you've only seen a glimpse of their computer while they
were socializing and want to track their MySpace activity with monitoring
tools
such as
PC Tattletale and IAmBigBrother. You may just want to know more without actually
having to "join up" because you've heard about the dangers of MySpace.
When it comes to MySpace safety,
we want you to be informed, because knowledge is one of the keys to protecting your
children from the danger of online predators on MySpace and other online communities. We'll walk briefly
through the MySpace experience, taking you from just looking through the window
to understanding the more popular activities available to members.
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Through a Non-Members Eyes |
 Without joining MySpace or having a logon, you can use the "Browse" feature. This
allows you to search according to someone's age, gender, location, or purpose for
using MySpace, such as dating or networking. You also have access to the "Search"
feature which lets you search for someone by name, display name, email address, or by school.
You can also view the public information in the profiles of anyone
on MySpace.
You can read all of the information on the main profile page and view
their list of friends. However, you cannot send them a message or view all of their pictures.
Although you can't really participate in any activities without being a member,
you actually have access to quite a bit of information. If your children are
members of MySpace, then YOU SHOULD BE TOO. The additional information you
will have access too is worth it so you can help improve their
MySpace safety. However, if you're not careful,
you might find out that MySpace is a lot of fun!
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Now That You've Signed Up....What Next? |
 Create Your Profile.
Once you are a member of MySpace, you can create your profile which tells members who you are, what you like to do and
so on. You can disclose as much or as little information about yourself as you want. MySpace will only show what information you choose to share. This is your first line of protection. Do NOT share too much
personal information about yourself!
Personalize Your Page.
Many members find it fun to personalize their page with different backgrounds and layouts using web design codes that are easy to find with search engines. You get
a chance to be your own virtual "website developer" with your profile page! You
can also download movies and music to your page to enhance your MySpace personality.
Network With New and Old Friends.
After you join, you not only can search for old classmates, friends or anyone who shares the same interests as you, but you can also invite them to join your personal network. There are many fun and interesting Discussion Groups to participate
in that cater specifically to your hobbies and interests.
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Monitor Family Internet Activity
IamBigBrother
Captures everything from chats and instant messages to email, web sites and much
more.
PC Tattletale
Easy to install and setup, records any and all software programs run, web sites
visited and does not interfere with normal browsing.
Filter Out Dangerous Content
ContentProtect
Powerful, yet simple to install filtering and monitoring solution.
See why we recommend these tools for parents in the
MySpace Safety area!
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PC Magazine 2007 Editor's Choice Award
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