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Internet Investigations

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1. Where should my computer be located in my home?

The family computer should be located in the main room of the home where your child can be monitored.

Never leave your child unattended at the computer.

2. What is the best software I can purchase that will help protect my children when they are online?

There are numerous software companies that have created filtering software programs.

While the Orland Park Police Department does not support or endorse any one private manufacturer or party, some of the more popular software packages include: Cybersential
Surf Watch
Net Nanny

Remember, there is no software that is going to keep you child 100 percent safe while online.

3. If my child receives a threat while online what should I do?

Immediately capture and print the threat. Then contact the ISP (Internet Service Provider) and notify them of the offender's conduct.

Contact your local Police Department.

4. How safe is it for my child to be in a chat room?

It is not safe for your child to be in a chat room. By entering a chat room your child is being subjected to becoming a victim of Internet crime.

If you decide to allow your children to enter chat rooms they should be monitored closely by a responsible adult.

5. How do I keep my child from receiving pornography?

If your ISP (Internet Service Provider) provides parental controls be sure to properly configure them.

Do not allow your children to open email attachments from people they do not know.

6. I have a large investment in my computer. How do I keep it safe from the viruses which are on the Internet?

Do not download anything from a source you do not know and/or trust.

Remember, viruses are often hidden inside another file. This means if you download a picture or text file from the Internet, or open it as an email attachment, it may contain viruses.

7. What are Newsgroups?

Newsgroups are basically a group of people using the Internet who are interested in the same topic.

Newsgroup members post items to the newsgroup of choice, similar to pinning an item on a bulletin board. The other members of the newsgroup may then respond to the posting.

Note: Many newsgroups contain a very large amount of pornography. Newsgroups can help with research, but your child should be closely monitored while in this area of the Internet.

8. What if I download something accidentally?

The first thing you should do is delete the item (or send it to the recycle bin and immediately empty the item from the recycle bin).

This does not mean a computer expert can't retrieve it from your hard drive at a later date. The only way to delete an item entirely is to repartition and reformat your hard drive and reinstall your operating system.

Note: Do not attempt to partition or format unless you have backed up your files and are comfortable with this procedure.

9. Is there any safe time for my child to be online?

There is not a safe time for children to be online without supervision. Once again, anytime your child is online, they should be closely monitored.

10. Should I forbid my child from using the Internet?

There are dangers in every part of modern-day society. By educating your children to these dangers and taking appropriate steps to protect them, they may benefit from the wealth of information available on the Internet.