Milenia

A big part of the glory of internet cafes is the sense of community they provide. Once, internet cafes were some of the only places that you could get online while enjoying the company of real-life friends. Today, a variety of wireless internet options have made it easy to join online communities from almost anywhere (see http://www.wirelessinternet.net for more information).Even though the technology has changed, there are still some basic rules that facilitate polite and productive communication online. These rules are different from the safety suggestions posted elsewhere on this site. Instead, such rules are known as “netiquette”social conventions that govern interactions over networks. The term first appeared in 1983 in the “Dear Emily” Postnews column, but such rules are more important than ever with our massive everyday reliance on the World Wide Web.Some rules govern the method of conveying information, such as spelling and grammar. For instance, netiquette always recommends that posters use spelling and grammar checks to make sure their posts come across as educated and polite. Posters should also avoid using all caps or enlarging text, since this comes across as “shouting” to the receiver. In general, writers should consider how their messages will be perceived without the aid of personal interactionsometimes, sarcasm or joking can come across as insulting or mean-spirited. One related aspect that you may not consider is when you send your messages. In professional settings, messages sent late at night may come across as suspicious.Another netiquette rule states that users should always tell the truth. Obviously, this does not mean revealing everything about yourselfin fact, using privacy controls and revealing only as much information as is necessary is also a part of netiquette. This netiquette rule simply means that you should not be deceptive online. However, don’t assume that everybody else is following this rule.Netiquette also involves responses to other users. Flamewars and spam attacks are considered, in general, to be in bad taste (a flamewar is a hostile exchange between users on the Internet). Others involve technical issues, such as how to use the CC function on e-mail servers.The rules of netiquette are developed by a variety of sources, including users, organizations, and companies. Be aware of what the rules are for any community you may be joining, but follow these basic ones no matter where your internet travels take you.

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It is known that over 600 million people are currently members on Facebook as of January 2011. That alone would make Facebook the fourth or fifth largest country, if they were a country. That is pretty darn big. There are over 135 million users in the United States alone.

Knowing this, it is very important that you exercise some cautionary steps for your own safety when you have an account with Facebook. Here are the top ten. Just be careful, as there are many who would (more…)

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With children becoming more active on the internet at a younger age, one of the biggest concerns for parents is keeping them safe. While nothing can replace being present and aware of what they are doing on the internet, there are also some tools you can use to help.

One thing you can do is use a service that will search all kinds of websites for your child’s information. This includes social networking sites, website that display pictures, (more…)

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As our children grow, age and become more proficient with internet usage, many parents become increasingly concerned about their child’s physical safety in addition to the possibility of exposure to inappropriate or dangerous communications on the worldwide web. As parents, one of the only ways to protect our children from potential internet hazards is to attempt to monitor their online activities. Below are some suggestions for keeping tabs on your children as they navigate the sometimes sinister online (more…)

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New operating system and website features try to make it easier for users to save time on their private computers. However, those same features can backfire for people using public computerssuch as those at internet cafes. Stay in control of your cyber-security by keeping your online identity private.

• Erase log-in information

Whenever logging in to a website, make sure that you remember to log out. Info can still be saved if you just close the window. Some sites and programs will also try to save your log-in infodon’t let them. (more…)

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As far as blending ideas go, internet cafs rank somewhere up there with peanut butter & jelly and waterbeds. After all, who doesn’t enjoy spending a relaxing hour or two browsing the internet while enjoying delicious food?The first instance of internet cafs was the SFnet Coffeehouse Network, started in July 1991 by Wayne Gregori of San Francisco. Computers were installed in 25 coffeehouses around San Francisco, and access was available for only a few quarters. Users on the public computers could converse with those with home computers, which often led to face-to-face meetings known as Net-Gets. (more…)

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There are cafs with computers, and then there are internet cafs, which provide a full-on cyber-delicious experience. Call us crazy, but we prefer the latter. That’s why we tracked down some of the best internet cafs in the world and compiled them in this list for your browsing pleasure.

• Forest Caf (Bristo Place, Edinburgh, Scotland): This self-sustaining non-profit is housed in a historical building over one hundred years old. In 2000, it began its career as a social arts center, offering not just a cybercaf serving vegetarian and organic cuisine, but also an arts gallery, rehearsal studio, performance space, and darkroom. The Forest Caf was one of only four to be honored in the 2004 Yahoo! Mail Internet Caf Awards. (more…)

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