Internet and Computers

Computer Takeback Campaign
Working to protect the health and well being of electronics users, workers, and the communities where electronics are produced and discarded.

FreeGeek.Org - Portland, OR
This group of volunteers accepts old computers to recycle and lets people "earn" a computer with open source software in exchange for 24 hours of service.

OlyGeek
Keeping e-waste out of landfills. Redistributing discarded technology. This is a sister-organization to FreeGeek.Org in Portland.

Spam, Spyware, & Viruses

Freebytes Guide to Free Anti-Virus Software
List of free or trial software and other virus-related resources

Junk Email (SPAM)
Advice from the Washington State Attorney General's office on minimizing SPAM and your legal rights for filing complaints against spammers.

Scumware.com
Friendly, plain-English site with instructions on how to detect and remove various adware and malware programs.

Spyware-Guide.com
An all inclusive and updated resource on spyware applications, what they do and how they’re used. These resources include: which software applications can detect and defeat spyware, an extensive database of all known spy software and adware applications and contact information as well as other privacy related products.

SpywareInfo
Straight-talking, no-nonsense help for when your browser has been hijacked or your computer is infected with spyware / adware.

Symantec Virus Database
Read about the latest “threats” floating around cyberspace

Internet Hoaxes

Hoaxbusters
Indexes known hoaxes and explains how to recognize a hoax and what to do when you encounter one. An excellent resource that can protect you from embarassment or from deleting necessary system files from your computer.

Snopes.com
Reference pages on current urban legends.

Tech News & Reviews

CNet.com
Up-to-the-minute news from a major technology network.

Computer Database (InfoTrac)
Computer-related product introductions, news and reviews. Requires a library card number from outside the library.

Price Watch
Price Watch, a service of Price Watch Corporation, allows retailers to advertise their prices in real time, so you can track the prices of computer and other technology devices. Ordering information is also available.

Slashdot
News for Nerds - stuff that matters.

Wired News
News from the popular technology magazine.

ZDNET
Computing news, directory of computer, technology, and consumer-electronics products with original editorial content, reviews, indexes, price comparisons, and products.

Safety & Privacy

Anti-Phishing Working Group
Phishing attacks use 'spoofed' e-mails and fraudulent websites designed to fool recipients into divulging personal financial data. This site is focused on eliminating the identity theft and fraud that result from the growing problem of phishing and email spoofing.

Child Safety on the Information Highway

Computer and Video Game Addiction
"When time spent on the computer, playing video games or cruising the Internet reaches a point that it harms a child's or adult's family and social relationships, or disrupts school or work life, that person may be caught in a cycle of addiction." This site provides lists of physical and mental symptoms for children and adults of video game addiction. Also includes a bibliography. From the National Institute on Media and the Family.

Cyber Security Tips
Tips for non-technical computer users on online security topics such as password protection, anti-virus software, firewalls, identity theft, online trading, instant messaging and chat rooms, social network websites, "cyberbullies," wireless networks, and Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP).

Electronic Privacy Information Center
Working to "protect privacy, the First Amendment, and constitutional values."

Federal Trade Commission
Consumer information regarding computers and the Internet.

GetNetWise
A public service from Internet industry corporations and public interest organizations to help insure that families have educational, entertaining, and safe online experiences.

Identity Theft & Privacy
Information and advice from the Washington State Attorney General.

Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3)
File a complaint using an online form and learn of Internet crime schemes and prevention tips in areas such as auction fraud, identity theft, and investment fraud. A partnership of the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the National White Collar Crime Center.

LooksTooGoodToBeTrue.com
Background information and alerts about Internet scams and fraud, covering identity theft, hacking, phishing, spam, spyware, job scams, Ponzi and pyramid schemes, online auctions, sweepstakes and lotteries, and counterfeit payments. Includes a FAQ, victims' stories, a fraud risk test, and links to places to file a complaint about online fraud. A joint project of federal law enforcement agencies and industry partners.

New E-Scams & Warnings
alerts about scams and other warnings concerning malicious software (malware), viruses, phishing, e-mail schemes, threat and extortion e-mail messages, and more. Includes an option to get e-mail alerts when new warnings are posted on the page. From the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI).

Privacy Rights Clearinghouse
Information that empowers you to take action to control your personal information by providing practical tips on privacy protection.

Safekids.com
Tips, advice and suggestions to make the family's online experience fun and productive.

SafeTeens.com
A place for teens and parents to learn how to use the Internet safely. No preaching, just good advice.

Freeware and Shareware Software

Mac Orchard
The most complete, up-to-date collection of Macintosh Internet applications, links for Macintosh Internet users, along with Internet software reviews contributed from The Mac Orchard's audience.

Tucows
An extensive collection of freeware and shareware software for all computer platforms.

Internet Service Providers

Broadband DSLreports.com
Reviews and news about broadband technology and providers. An extensive collection of FAQs covers topics such as DSL, cable modems, wireless ISPs, VoIP, bandwidth, file sharing, and many specific providers. Also includes forums and frequent news updates about new technologies and services, prices, industry activity, and more.

Freedom List
Cheap and free Internet service providers directory, reviews and ratings.

The List
An international guide to Internet Service Providers, published by Mecklermedia.

Advice & Support

Elder Geek on Vista
Windows Vista information and forum.

Elder Geek on Windows XP
Terrific site with advice on installing, maintaining, and troubleshooting Windows XP Home or Professional versions.

Freebyte’s Guide to Free Tech Support
Lists sources of free technical support including online guides, forums and live chat. Also find sources of software fixes such as drivers and DLL's.

GetHuman
This website features a list of consumer service telephone numbers and tips for how to get to speak to a person. The company lists also include a letter grade and are browsable by category, such as automotive, credit, hardware, finance, insurance, internet, products, software and travel. From a consumer advocate and other volunteers.

HealthyComputing.com
Unbiased information on computer-related health and safety. Includes reviews of desks, chairs, and equipment and tips on ergonomics for laptops, PDAs, and cell phones.

How-To Geek
Friendly tips on how to use Windows and Linux. Includes help on Vista.

Microsoft Product Support
Technical documents and downloads for all Microsoft products including Windows, Office, and Internet Explorer.

PC Mechanic
Excellent set of support resources including guides and reviews plus a tech support area where you can pose questions for free, though registration is required.

Tech Support Guy
Free help for users of Microsoft Windows 95, 98, NT, 2000 and Linux. Volunteer run site with a very active forum area covering a good range of subject areas.

Tom’s Hardware Guide
Everything you need to know about motherboards, processors, video cards, storage devices and much more.

Vista Compatible Applications
Microsoft's list of applications that have earned the "Certified for Windows Vista" logo or the "Works with Windows Vista" logo.

Vista Driver Downloads from Radarsync
Free Vista driver downloads from nearly 30 manufacturers.

Vista Hardware Compatibility List
Microsoft's list of hardware products that work with Windows Vista.

Tutorials

Beginners Guide to Effective Email

GCF Global Learning®
Offering free, beginning computer courses and other learning opportunities in English and Spanish. Requires online registration.

GoodTyping.com
Free online typing course. Learn how to type correctly in just a few hours using all your fingers.

Learn the Net.com
Good introduction to the Web and email and the process of connecting your computer to the Internet. Also has inexpensive online interactive classes.

Mouse Tutorial from Palm Beach County Library System
Learn the basics of clicking, dragging, and selecting. Practice your new mouse skills using familiar and new games.

UC Berkeley Internet Tutorial
Internet tutorial with a glossary to Internet and Web jargon.

History

Computer History Museum
Timelines of the history of computers and the Internet. Includes curated exhibits of significant technology advances.

Cyber-Geography Research
CyberGeography is the study of the spatial nature of computer communications networks, particularly the Internet, the World-Wide Web and other electronic places" that exist behind our computer screens, popularly referred to as cyberspace. The Cyber-Geography Research initiative is directed by Martin Dodge, a geographer and enthusiastic cyberspace explorer.

Hobbes' Internet Timeline
A history of the Internet.

Imagining the Internet
Examines the potential future of the Internet while providing a peek back into its history.

Internet Archive
The Internet Archive is building a digital library of Internet sites and other cultural artifacts in digital form.

Internet2 Project
Over 200 universities working in partnership with industry and government are developing and deploying a second Internet - one designed for increased speed and traffic.

Revised 8/21/2008

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Timberland Regional Library serves Grays Harbor, Lewis, Mason, Pacific, and Thurston counties in Western Washington State.