ICT Revision
By Byron Streater
Digital Divide
Digital divide is a term used to describe the discrepancy between people who have access to and the resources to use new information and communication tools, such as the internet, and people who do not have the resources and access to the technology. The term also describes the discrepancy between those who have the skills, knowledge and abilities to use the technologies and those who do not. The digital divide can exist betweem those living in rural areas amd those living in urban areas, between the educated and uneducated, between economuc classes and on a global scale between more and less infustrually developed nation.
Some facts:
-1 in 4 adults have never used internet
- A third of households in the uk don't have the internet
- 49% of people with out access are in the lowest socio-economic groups, 70% of people who live in social housing aren't online, 80%of government interactions with the public take place with the bottom 25% of society, so failing to encourage everyone onling keeps goverment costs high
Online Safety
It’s important that if you’re using the internet, you know how to stay safe. You should never give out any personal information when you're online, no matter who you think you're talking to.
There are some important things that you need to keep in mind when you're on your computer at home or at school:
- Never give out identifying information such as, name, address, school name or telephone numbers in a public message such as a chat room or a bulletin board.
- Never send a person a picture without first checking with your parent or guardian.
- Never respond to messages or bulletin board items that are suggestive, threatening, obscene or generally make you feel uncomfortable.
- Get to know your 'online friends' just as you get to know all of your other friends.
- Never arrange a face to face meeting without telling your parent or guardian. If your parent or guardian agrees to the meeting, make sure you meet in a public place and have a parent or guardian with you.
- Be careful when someone offers you something for nothing, such as gifts and money, be very careful about any offers that involve you coming to a meeting or having someone visit your house.
- Be sure that you are dealing with someone that your parents know and trust before giving out any personal information about yourself via e-mail.
- Remember that people online may not be who they seem. Because you can't see or even hear the person it would be easy for someone to misrepresent him or herself. Therefore someone indicating that 'she' is a '12 year old girl' could be an older man.
- Tell your parent or guardian right away if you come across any information that makes you feel uncomfortable.
Tips to keep a strong safe password: