Social media sites like Facebook, Twitter or Instagram are great ways of keeping in touch with family, reconnecting with old friends, and making new ones. However, it is important to make sure that when using these sites, you're sharing information with only the people you want to and not strangers on the internet. Some unsavory people on the internet can and will use information that you post against you.

For example, posting on Facebook that you're on vacation can be a fun way to share the experience with your friends, but it can also let potential thieves know that you are out of town, leaving your home vulnerable. Many sites also allow users to 'check in' which also tells people you are away from home.

So how can you prevent strangers from seeing your personal information on Facebook? Adjust your security settings! Facebook has made it easier than every to see exactly who can see what you post on Facebook.

After you have logged into your Facebook page, you should see a security button in the top right hand corner. It looks like a padlock.



If you click on this button you will see several options.

The first option - Privacy Checkup - will walk you through choosing the privacy settings that are right for you. You can also see options to decide who can see what you post, who can send you messages and how to stop someone who is harassing you. More options are available under "See More Settings."

Guarding your information isn't' just limited to Facebook! It is very important to take the time to decide who can see your information on any website. It's a simple way to stay safe on one of the most popular social websites out there!


What social media sites do you like to use? Let us know in the comments!
If you have an idea for blog posts or questions/comments, you can contact us on Facebook or Twitter. 

August is in full swing and almost all area schools are back in session. Two weeks ago we posted several online resources that make a student's life easier. The downside of going online to use those tools is how distracting the internet can be. It can be easy to think "I'll just check Facebook quickly" and look up to find that an hour has passed. And don't even get us started on Pinterest!

There are several tools available to help keep students (and anyone else working on computers) on task.

One of the most important tools to have when trying to stay focused is by using what's called a URL blocker. The URL is just another name for the web address. For example, the URL for this site is http://bpl-it.blogspot.com A URL blocker can keep you from visiting certain sites during a set period of time. This can be helpful if you just can't help checking Facebook or Twitter on your computer when you should be writing a paper or looking up information. It can help for those working from home as well.

Stayfocusd

Our favorite URL blocker is a free add-on called Stayfocusd. It works only on the Google Chrome browser. (If you use Firefox, don't worry - we'll discuss it next!)
Stayfocusd increases productivity by temporarily blocking time-wasting websites. There are several different options in blocking websites - including blocking all websites and or allowing only one or two websites. (We might suggest leaving the library site unblocked, of course.) Stayfocusd allows you set a time limit and even includes a countdown clock to let you know how long these will be blocked.

LeechBlock

It’s hard to rate a social networking site because so many people have their own opinions. In saying that, we are going to compare Facebook to some of the popular social networking sites that are available to you.



*Click on the table below to enlarge.*

Here is a follow up on a few things Mrs. McEntee mentioned in the interview. When she was answering the second questions, she said something about using her iPod Touch to connect to Facebook. In the blog we talked about some cell phones, especially smart phones, having a Facebook app available to download. The iPod Touch is not an iPhone, but can use the same apps as the iPhone. In saying that, the iPod Touch can download and use the Facebook app. Mrs. McEntee also mentioned privacy settings towards the end of the interview. We had a patron ask about privacy settings. Here is the Q/A:

"I just got finished listening to the "Tech Tuesday" interview, she mentioned something about privacy settings like "Friends Only". I have noticed this on my FB account, what do those different settings mean? I use the "Everyone" setting a lot."

When posting a message on Facebook, you have a few options as to who can read the message. The option "Everyone" allows everyone on the Internet to see your message. For instance, if you select "Everyone" when posting a message about the Bossier Parish Library System, there is a good chance that your message could end up in a search engine. This is Facebook's way of making your messages public. This is good if you are promoting a website or event, but not so good when talking about your employer or a family member. The other option mentioned is the "Friends Only." This means only your friends can view your messages.

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Facebook is a social networking site that started out strictly for college students and was available by invitation only. Now, it is a cultural phenomenon stretching across the globe. Facebook has taken hold as the undisputable leader amongst social networking sites. With that title come great demands from users. Some of those demands are for great features, and Facebook offers that. Some examples of Facebook features are, posting pictures, videos, starting discussions, commenting on others pictures, and writing on your friend’s wall. Facebook is free to us for anyone over the age of 13; all you need is an email address to get started.

Facebook can be accessed on your laptop, netbook, desktop or cell phone. Speaking of cell phones, most phones, especially smart phones, have an app you can download to enable Facebook on your phone. You may ask, “Why do I need Facebook on my phone?” I say why not? Having Facebook on your phone allows you to keep in contact with your friends and family 24/7. Besides, most people post what’s going on in life on Facebook before their best friends know.

So, I guess the big question is, “Why should I choose Facebook over the other numerous social networks available to me?” In my opinion, Facebook is more modern and safer than other social networking sites. All Facebook profiles come with a standard white and blue skin (the background of your profile) that is not customizable. This allows pages to load faster, fewer distractions when trying to read my friend’s profile and it gives profiles a more sophisticated look. Also, some Facebook doesn’t carry as many viruses as the other social sites. Facebook was also one of the first social networking sites to have instant messaging, which allows for instant conversation with friends and family. Facebook is the most popular social networking site (http://www.ebizmba.com/). Did you know that Facebook has 400 milion active users and Facebook.com claims 50% of FB users log on daily? What does this mean? Chances are someone you know is on Facebook and keeping in contact with them couldn’t be much easier. With so many friends and family on Facebook, the Christmas card as we know it could eventually fade. Why; (if I may borrow a line from AT&T) “there’s an app for that.” So the big question is; Are you on Facebook?

Don't forget, tomorrow on "Tech Tuesday" we will interview Heather McEntee, Assistant Director of the Bossier Parish Library System on her experiences on Facebook. Until next time, happy teching!