About This Course:

The course details information and instructions on how to use Facebook, Twitter, MSN, Yahoo, MySpace, Flickr, WordPress Blogging, Webshots and other social networks too. A fun course with hands-on, you'll experience setting up your own profile and securing your personal privacy, while optimizing your fun! Connect with your family, friends (both near & far), and find/renew old acquaintances. Mostly we want to have some FUN!

What is Social Networking anyway?

Social networks enable any Senior with a computer and an Internet connection to stay in touch with friends and family across the globe, and rediscover old acquaintances and even create a Family event. We'll start with the basics of social networks, then move onto practical topics, and especially how to protect your privacy and keep your details secure. Most social network services are web based and provide means for users to interact over the internet, such as e-mail, instant messaging and even face-to-face real-time video chats (for free). It's the way the 21st century communicates today. Our grandchildren think they invented it, but I started using "social networks" in the mid-seventies on UseNet, BBS services and CompuServe. It was slow at 300 BPS, cut out frequently, and was time-limited (usually 10 minutes) and EXCITING!  It never ceases to amaze me how much technology has evolved in the last 55 years since I built my first crystal radio.

What can YOU do with it?

When it comes to online social networking, websites are commonly used. These websites are known as social sites. Social networking websites function like an online community of internet users. Depending on the website in question, many of these online community members share common interests in hobbies, religion, or politics. Once you sign-up to a social networking website you can begin to socialize. This socialization may include reading the profile pages of other members and possibly even contacting them. The best thing about social networking is connecting with your family, friends and finding old acquaintances, military friends and classmates.

What are the risks?

Like most online activities, there are some dangers associated with social networking including data theft and viruses. The most prevalent danger though often involves online predators or individuals who claim to be someone that they are not. Although danger does exist with networking online, it also exists in the real world, too. Just like you're advised when meeting strangers at clubs and social events or work -- you are also advised to proceed with caution online. By being aware of your cyber-surroundings and who you are talking to, you should be able to safely enjoy social networking online. Just use common sense and listen to your inner voice; it will tell you when something doesn't feel right about the online conversations taking place. The great thing about being a Senior is that the people you connect with are usually known to you which reduce the risks dramatically. I strongly recommend keeping your personal POP email address from your ISP (Shaw or Telus) private and only give it to people you know well or who are already using that address. Also learn how to use Blind Carbon Copy when sending POP email >>> http://www.eldercomps.com/bcc.htm. (share this with your friends too).

How & where do You start?

Once you are well informed and comfortable with your knowledge on the subject, you can join one of a few that are best suited to us Seniors. The best ones include FaceBook, Twitter, MySpace, MSN, Yahoo, Flickr, Webshots and other social networks too. What you choose depends largely on what you want to do online and your level of computer skills.

For most Seniors I recommend first getting a Gmail account (if you don't already have a "free" email account), then sign up to Facebook. In the past few years, I've found Facebook to be the best "starting place" for us older, but wiser computer users. I'll be demonstrating what I mean while we visit and probe the good, bad and ugly of all the social sites out there.