Internet Security & Safety Netiquette

This blog posts contains a list of rules about internet security and safety. There are general rules and specific ones depending on the category of safety netiquette. The rules come from NetworkEtiquette.net.

Internet Security

It is proper netiquette to shop secure websites because they protect your information when you check out.

It is proper netiquette to print and save electronic receipts and a product description of items purchased online in case their is a dispute.

It is proper netiquette to use a strong password because many hackers guess them. Strong passwords include a number, special character, and capital letter.

It is proper netiquette to refrain from sharing personal information with cyber friends you don't know in reality for personal safety and protection. It protects you from scams in cyber space and crimes in reality.

It is proper netiquette to use antivirus software to prevent viruses and spyware.

It is proper netiquette to never share your password because it compromises the entire network.

It is proper netiquette to back up important files in case of data loss.

It is proper netiquette to update software regularly to protect your data and network.

It is proper netiquette to read the privacy policy because many websites collect and share information for various reasons.

It is proper netiquette to cyber friends are digital, real friends are physical.

Cyber Crime Prevention

It is proper netiquette to use privacy settings to keep personal information in your circle.

It is proper netiquette to refrain from following links to unknown sites from websites the first time you visit them.

It is proper netiquette to accept friends with caution because you are judged by the people you know.

It is proper netiquette to refrain from making assumptions about anything because scam artists use assumptions to deceive users.

It is proper netiquette to refrain from trusting anyone on the internet because you cannot see them in reality.

It is proper netiquette to clean your cache regularly to remove cookies.

It is proper netiquette to refrain from accepting over payments because it is a common scam.

It is proper netiquette to refrain from paying to work from home because you will just be wasting your money.

It is proper netiquette to understand that many companies advertise weight loss pills that do not work.

Child Safety

It is proper netiquette to understand that healthy internet use is different for each child because each child is different.

It is proper netiquette to understand that the more time children spend online the more direct supervision they need because of their surfing abilities.

It is proper netiquette to talk to kids about all their online experiences. It is the only way to gauge their activities because filtering is not full proof.

It is proper netiquette for children to understand that cyber friends friend and unfriend without emotion because it's digital.

It is proper netiquette to monitor with software to prevent children from viewing harmful content.

It is proper netiquette to know who your children is cyber friends with and what they share with each other.

It is proper netiquette to read kids messages because parents have the right and responsibility to protect their children.

It is proper netiquette to keep mobile devices in a container to control use.

It is proper netiquette to keep computers in the main room only to impose social as well as direct supervision on users.

Computer Security

It is proper netiquette to automatically update your operating system (OS) so you get important updates.

It is proper netiquette to keep antivirus software updated because new viruses are created daily.

It is proper netiquette to scan emails for viruses even from trusted sources because they replicate through contacts.

It is proper netiquette to use a pop-up blocker.

It is proper netiquette to change your password often to protect your network.

It is proper netiquette to encrypt important data because the internet is insecure.

Antivirus

It is proper netiquette to confirm the contents of attachments prior to opening them.

It is proper netiquette to back up data because Anti-Virus Software is not full proof.

It is proper netiquette to create an alternate user name and account for surfing the internet to save vital data and programs from internet viruses.

It is proper netiquette to research software before installation because many companies collect data.

It is proper netiquette to use multiple antivirus software programs for various tasks to prevent infection.

It is proper netiquette to scan everything to remove viruses.

It is proper netiquette to disable the email preview pane because the preview pane opens emails from unknown senders.

It is proper netiquette to open emails in plain text to prevent viruses.

It is proper netiquette to scan regularly to prevent viruses because viruses can attack at any time. At least once a week.

David Chiles
Author
Internet Users Guide

Social Networking Netiquette Rules

These are social networking rules for proper internet etiquette, netiquette. They were created by David Chiles for NetworkEtiquette.net

Social Network

Cyber friends come before status updates. It's good netiquette to put your online friends before your online image to show you care.

It's good netiquette to provide cyber friends with constructive criticism using the sandwich technique because it is a nice way of helping.

It's good netiquette to offer and accept friend requests with caution because a bad friend can be costly.

It's good netiquette to end cyber relationships with good reason because users get their feelings hurt.

It's good netiquette to think positive when using social networks because it makes the experience fun.

It's good netiquette to share encouraging words because it helps cyber friends accomplish goals and overcome obstacles.

It's good netiquette to post pictures on social networks because they engage cyber friends and encourage comments. They are fun.

It's good netiquette to engage your cyber friends with likes, comments, and status updates because friends share information about each other.

It's good netiquette to embrace diversity to build strong relationship online. Show interest in differences and solidarity is likeness.

Like

Be nice! It is proper netiquette to like positive status updates, good blog posts, and great articles that your friends share with you.

It is proper netiquette to be reasonable with your likes. Make sure there is a specific reason why you like the update before you affirm it.

It is proper netiquette to refrain from liking your own status because you do not have to prove you like yourself.

It is proper netiquette to share what you like with your network to build a better network. If you like something your friends might like it too. This can connect your connections.

It is proper netiquette to understand that Likes are earned not given. Like status updates that deserve it. One reason to like an update is all you need for friends, but other updates should have higher standards.

It is proper netiquette to share what you Like and what you think your friends will like. Keep your friends in mind when you post status updates for likability reasons.

It is proper netiquette to understand that everyone likes to share good content with their friends, but no one wants to read articles all day just to find the best one. Find your balance and don't share anything you would not read yourself.

Facebook

It's good netiquette to use a positive pic or avatar because it conveys a positive online image.

Good netiquette dictates knowing your friends from a regular association creates a better experience because it's more social.

It is proper netiquette to use privacy settings. The privacy settings help you project a positive online image.

It is proper netiquette to post a headshot picture because a headshot is a picture of your face and a Facebook is a compilation of headshots. No shirtless pictures.

It is proper netiquette to have the confidence to decline friend requests. Everyone is not your friend.

It is proper netiquette to post work friendly updates because Facebook is a public forum. Your employer could by monitoring you.

It's good netiquette to interact with your Facebook friends through engagement because relationships require attention.

It's good netiquette to respond to comments because it's engaging. This encourages more dialogue and interactivity.

It's good netiquette to login regularly because it gives your online image credibility.

It is proper netiquette to refrain from tagging friends in photos because their pictures are personal and tagging is public.

It's good netiquette to make status updates for all your friends, not just a select few. No one likes to be left out.

It is proper netiquette to use emoticons to convey feelings because they help convey the tone of a message which is hard to do with text alone.

It is proper netiquette to tell someone why you like a picture with a comment because it shows your like is genuine.

It is proper netiquette to post comments on your wall at least once a month to show that you are actively engaged.

It is proper netiquette to post no evil, share no evil and users will be nice and friendly.

It is proper netiquette to practice following netiquette rules for effective communication because practice makes perfect.

It is proper netiquette to read an entire post before commenting because many users write ironic and satirical statements.

Google Plus

It's good netiquette to share quality high resolution pictures because Google Plus shows pictures larger than other social networks.

It's good netiquette to follow people who share your interests whether or not you know them in reality.

It's good netiquette to mute the mic in a hangout when your not talking.

It is proper netiquette to be specific but not absolute when posting because there is an exception for everything.

It's good netiquette to stay on topic when commenting on the content of others. Changing the subject is hijacking threads.

It's good netiquette to credit the source for content you share and reshare.

It's good netiquette to build up content and plussers rather than tear them down.

It's good netiquette to check your hardware before you hangout to make sure everything is working properly.

It's good netiquette to wear appropriate clothing to hangout.

LinkedIn

It is proper netiquette to ask for recommendations to give your profile credibility.

It is proper netiquette to use a unique URL to create a brand in yourself. The URL you choose is your unique online identity within the LinkedIn domain.

It is proper netiquette to recommend co-workers because it shows that you care about those around you.

It is proper netiquette to be honest and sincere in your profile, status updates, and recommendations. This means only write good things that are true.

It is proper netiquette to allow LinkedIn to access your address books to find contacts you know because it can help your career.

It is proper netiquette login at least once a week to check the status of your account and updates from friends.

It is proper netiquette to link to your blog & site to give profile viewers the opportunity to connect with you on all levels.

It is proper netiquette to update your profile regularly to keep your inner circle informed.

David Chiles
Internet Users Guide
NetworkEtiquette.net

App Netiquette

Mobile Apps are the future of computing. Tablets are replacing laptops and smartphones are becoming standard phones instead of premium ones. I developed these App rules of netiquette while researching my new book, Apps: Everything You Need To Know.

App netiquette is the social code of using software applications installed on a mobile device. Apps are software applications for smartphones, tablets, and phablets that use the internet. Netiquette is the social code of the internet.

App Netiquette Rules

• It is proper netiquette to purchase Apps reasonably. Paying more than .99 is unreasonable in most cases.

• It is proper netiquette to use Freemium Apps.

• It is proper netiquette to browse Apps before you buy one.

• It is proper netiquette to uninstall Apps that you do not use.

• It is proper netiquette to learn how to navigate and use Apps for your social networks.

Google Play Store

• It is proper netiquette to search the App Store high and low for the right App because every Android App is in the Play Store.

• It is proper netiquette to explore the Google Play Store because all Apps for Android are listed by the developers.

• It is proper netiquette to install your apps on all your devices.

• It is proper netiquette to test Apps immediately because there is only 15 minutes to return them for a full refund.

• It is proper netiquette to post fair comments about Apps you purchase or download. 

David Chiles
Author

Baby Pictures Are Good Netiquette

There is an internet troll out there trying to give netiquette a bad name. Baby pictures are good netiquette. Sharing information, updates, and family pictures are fun and friendly social media. Everyone is a product of their family values. Sharing them with friends brings us closer together because we know where we are coming from. 

I love baby pictures because they make me smile. It makes parents feel good to show their pride and joy. It makes good people happy to see the pride and joy of their friends. Sharing family pictures goes along the same lines.

There is something that you have to love about baby pictures. If you don't, you are being anti-social. The innocence of a young child. The hope and promise that they give society. That is why politicians are always kissing babies, because they are the future of society at large. 

There is a limit to parental pride. I think creating a social networking account for your baby is going a little too far, but who am I to judge. There are some networks that may not be suitable for baby pictures. 

Babies and their pictures give everyone hope for the future because they have their whole lives ahead of them. Sharing their pictures reminds me to do things a little better than before. 

For example, seeing baby pictures has a sub-conscious effect on me wanting to save the environment. In the back of my mind I think that a child's future is not that bright if we keep emitting so much carbon dioxide into the atmosphere. Carbon dioxide in the atmosphere is the cause of global warming.

In conclusion, baby pictures bring us together and those who don't like seeing them don't like society because we need babies to keep it going. Therefore, baby pictures are good netiquette. Share them and share a like when you see them.

David Chiles
Internet Users Guide
Netiquette Store

Catfish Corner: Entertainment Social Networks

Entertainment networks are all about fun. It seems that telling the truth is not much fun and that men and women lie to each other when dating relationships may be involved. Little Wayne said it best in one of his songs, "Men Lie To Women. Women Lie To Men". It is that simple.

On the internet people who post fake profiles are known as Catfish. Websites that encourage relationships between men and women should have an expectation of false profiles until proven otherwise by users. This is the Little Wayne Rule of Netiquette. Men lie. Women lie. They lie to each other when personal relationships are involved.

There are ways to spot fake profiles on social networks. Signs of fake profiles include professional pictures, one or just a few pictures, and only friends of the opposite sex. Many Catfish steal professional pictures of beautiful people and upload them as their own. I know because I saw a reporter do it and say he was just doing it for research. The grin on his face led me to believe otherwise.

A user who only has one picture could possibly be a Catfish because it is easy to save and upload a picture. The more pictures and the more candid they are the more valid a profile is. The Little Wayne Rule is in full effect for users who only friend the opposite sex. Men lie to women. Women lie to men.

The police are some of the biggest Catfish out there creating crimes by committing them themselves. That is no excuse to approach someone you think is underage to do something against the law, but it is still fraud to mislead people like that even if you are a police officer. People who lie are people who lie. Lying is bad netiquette.

Entertainment social networks allow a lot of this to go on. MySpace, Hi5, Netlog, and Zorpia are networks that have a lot of Catfish, fake profiles. These networks are not exactly bad netiquette, but they are only for adults in my humble opinion, IMHO. As a result I have moved the netiquette rules for these sites away from my flagship site, NetworkEtiquette.net to Social Media Network (SocMedNet.com).

David Chiles
Author
Internet User Guide
Netiquette Store

Cyber Friends Webisode 1

This is the first Cyber Friends webisode in the new web series by Social Media Network (SocMedNet.com). David Chiles, Selena Cyber-Safety, Nancy Netiquette, Yoko Netiquette, and Wendy 


Selena Cyber-Safety:

Selena Cyber-Safety is the most beautiful women in netiquette. Please be advised that she did not get so beautiful by accident. Her great looks take time and preparation, just like staying safe on the internet. Selena demands safety and her friends are thankful.

Ms. Cyber-Safety is a young business professional taking online classes at The School of Netiquette. This semester she is taking Internet Communications. In her spare time she is a volunteer care giver for elderly patients.

Selena Cyber-Safety's cyber friends include David Chiles, Wendy Wireless (Real Friend), and Nancy and Yoko Netiquette (Classmates). They are a happy circle : ) All of her friends are part of The School of Netiquette.

Selena Cyber-Safety is going to be a cast member in the new web series that I, David Chiles, am creating. It's going to be called Cyber Friends.

Wendy Wireless:

Wendy Wireless is the most valuable player on the netiquette team. She is responsible for sharing more netiquette than any other character. Her mobility is her greatest asset. She is every where.

Ms. Wireless is a busy woman. She is tenured faculty at The School of Netiquette. Currently she is teaching SQL and Java Programming. She is the faculty advisor for the Wi-Fi Club and head of the Wireless program.

Wendy Wireless's cyber friends include David Chiles, Selena Cyber-Safety (Real Friend), and Nancy and Yoko Netiquette (Associates). They are a happy circle : ) All of her friends are part of The School of Netiquette.

Wendy Wireless is going to be a cast member in the new web series that I, David Chiles, am creating. It's going to be called Cyber Friends. 

Nancy Netiquette:

Ms. Netiquette is the star of my netiquette animations. She has the netiquette name. Her character plays many different roles in many different forms because netiquette plays many different roles in the many different forms of internet communication.

Nancy Netiquette is a Full Time Student at The School of Netiquette, part time waitress at the Netiquette Lounge, and Raver. Nancy is taking a full load this semester, Internet Communications, Pre-Calculus, Speech, and World Writings.

Nancy Netiquette's cyber friends include David Chiles, Selena Cyber-Safety (Classmate), and Yoko Netiquette (Cousin) and Wendy Wireless (Associate). They are a happy circle : ) All of her friends are part of The School of Netiquette.

Nancy Netiquette is going to be a cast member in the new web series that I, David Chiles, am creating. It's going to be called Cyber Friends.


Yoko Netiquette:

Yoko Netiquette is a really really good woman. She is the kind of girl you study with. Yoko Netiquette does not go to bars. She has a good head on her shoulders and makes good decisions. Yoko practices good netiquette.

Yoko is a full time student at The School of Netiquette Majoring in Business Administration with a minor in Business Communication. Her class load includes Business Calculus, Internet Communications, Speech, and Accounting.

Yoko Netiquette's cyber friends include David Chiles, Selena Cyber-Safety (Classmates), and Nancy Netiquette (Cousin) and Wendy Wireless (Cyber Friend). They are a happy circle : ) All of her friends are part of The School of Netiquette.

Yoko Netiquette is going to be a cast member in the new web series that I, David Chiles, am creating. It's going to be called Cyber Friends. 

David Chiles
Author
Internet Users Guide
NetworkEtiquette.net

Blogger Netiquette Rules

Blogger Netiquette Rules

David Chiles and Nancy Netiquette broadcast the rules of blogger netiquette from the Netiquette News Room.

The above video contains the rules of netiquette for the Blogger domain by NetworkEtiquette.net. More information about each rule can be found on the website. Click on each rule in the Blogger section for a complete explanation.

David Chiles
Netiquette Store
Internet Users Guide

Internet & Mobile Technology Make A Facebook Phone

Internet technology consists of advancements in infrastructure, usability, and programming. Mobile technology includes mobile device innovation, hardware advancements (semi conductors and data storage), and wireless networks (3G, 4G, etc...). 

Until recently internet and mobile technology have been separated by distinctions in definition and markets. The internet by definition has been based on personal computers because that is how the majority of users access it. The target market of websites has been users who log on with a personal computer.

Mobile

Mobile Apps began a steady relationship between the internet and mobile devices. Mobile websites are an on again off again thing. A mobile App is a software application for smartphones and tablets that uses the internet. Many websites and companies provide them free of charge to their users and customers in lieu of a mobile website. Mobile Apps provide an exclusive connection.

A mobile website is non-exclusive relationship. Users can click away whenever they like. It takes a little more than a click to close an App and open a new one or to browse the web after closing an App. 

Big companies and websites provide a mobile App and website. The type of user relationship does not matter to them as much as the engagement. They are big enough entities that it serves them well to be their for their stake holders in any mobile capacity that they can.

As the use of smartphones and tablets grow, so does the use of the mobile internet. The rise in use brings the technology together as well. Innovation in internet technology is starting to include mobile usability, programming, and infrastructure. Advances in mobile hardware are now geared toward internet performance rather than traditional voice communications. 

Facebook

Facebook is the largest social network in the world. It's a website that has a mobile page and a mobile App. The majority of the over 1 billion users log into their accounts on mobile devices, smartphones and tablets. Facebook has shown by example how to have a lasting relationship with their mobile users by the growth of their website.

It appears that Facebook will make it official on Thursday, April 4, 2013 in their upcoming event. By all indications they will announce the Facebook Phone. It is manufactured by HTC and will have an Android Operating System (OS). 

A Facebook Phone is a good business strategy given the number of mobile users the site has. Google was the first company to marry mobile with the Android acquisition and has proven it can be profitable. Other companies are sure to follow. This is not to say all relationships will be smooth sailing. Windows Phone and the Microsoft Surface Tablets have had a troubled time with consumers. 

For now, it's time to prepare for the honeymoon of the Facebook marriage to mobile and put privacy concerns aside. It is good for internet and mobile technology. Hence, it is good for humanity because it will bring information to an emerging class of users and emerging markets. It's good netiquette.

David Chiles
Author
Internet Users Guide
Netiquette eStore

Mobile Netiquette Rules

Mobile Netiquette is of growing importance as the use of mobile devices grows. I have compiled a list of Mobile Etiquette Rules. For an in depth explanation of the list visit my netiquette site.

Mobile Internet

Watch out to prevent accidents.

Take responsibility for your content.

Don't get digitally disconnected.

Wi-Fi is helpful, share your connection.

Plan to use your mobile connection to avoid wasting time.

Check the signal strength before you stream.

Know the rules of where you Wi-Fi.

The more mobile you are the more you need to know your device.

Wireless is mobile, devices connect, users interact. Go with the flow.

Connecting to Wi-Fi is active participation on that network.

Operating System

Use Apps properly because misuse can lead to malfunction.

Do not unlock without permission because it may not work properly.

Read the Users Guide to make sure you configure it properly.

Know the limitations of the operating system to prevent crashes.

Research Apps because they have been known to collect data.

Lock your OS with a password to prevent data theft.

Antivirus software is appropriate to protect financial information.

Do not change the OS software configuration because it increases virus vulnerability.

Update software regularly because patches and other fixes are released regularly.

Read the terms of service and privacy policy.

iOS

Check for App updates and follow the developer on Twitter because of Malware issues from Apple.

Always check for alternate routes when getting directions. Tap the Route and the start button to display alternate routes.

Forget bluetooth devices when not in use. This is a setting in the Bluetooth menu. Forgetting devices frees up memory for other processing.

Control your apps. Password protect installation of apps on your device to prevent others from installing things on your device when you loan it to them.

Point and shoot. Practice unlocking and shooting pictures to ensure you take, 'once in a lifetime photographs'. Slide to unlock and double tap the home button.

Press the home and unlock button to take screen shots. The file will be stored as a photo in your camera roll.

Scroll to the top of web pages and applications by tapping the status bar to save time navigating.

Use your device for optimum battery performance. Disable unecessary apps to save battery life.

Crop Pictures because background images distract viewers from the focus of the photo.

Android

Install Apps from reputable brands because of malware issues.

Use the Google Play Store to download Apps to prevent file corruption.

Change the tone settings based on the situation your in. Know how to use all tones effectively.

Know what version of the Android your using and the current version. Ice Cream Sandwich 4.0 and Jelly Bean 4.1 are the current versions. Ice Cream Sandwich is the Android operating system for smartphones. Jelly Bean 4.1 is the operating system for Tables.

Install apps for optimum performance. Do not overload the memory.

Disable bluetooth when not in use for optimum performance. The bluetooth software running in the background slows down the device.

Enable plug-ins on demand. This is a browser setting from the advanced setting menu.

Make a folder for ringtones, alarms, and notifications with those names for your own tones. These key names will display their contents in setting menus.

Use the screen lock and other security features as necessary. Backup data and or text messages.

Edit photos with Photoshop. Adobe Photoshop is the industry standard editing software and has a free mobile app.

Hotspot

Make a purchase from the business whose hotspot you are using because they offer the free service to attract customers.

Do not eat food that you purchased somewhere else in a hotspot because the food was meant to be eaten somewhere else.

Keep your drinks away from your computer and everyone else's to avoid breaking them.

Do not talk on your mobile phone while waiting in line at a hotspot because the cashier needs your attention to move the line along smoothly.

Clean up after yourself to make it easier for others to use the establishment.

Use one plug at a time because using multiple plugs discourages customers from patronizing an establishment.

Respect the bandwidth of the hotspot. Stream content where acceptable.

Don't download big files because it causes others in the hotspots to lose their connections.

Use your mobile phone outside the establishment because everyone in the hotspot can hear you conversations inside.

Don't eat and surf to avoid spilling food on your computer because it can damage or ruin it.

Restaurants

Do not plug in your mobile device at restaurants because Wifi is complimentary, not primary.

Use your WiFi device before or after your meal because food may damage it, it's disrespectful to the staff, and meals are sacred to religious people.

Restaurants are not establishments to watch video, they are places to eat.

Only stay up to an hour so that other can have a table to sit at.

Depending on the device used to connect to the internet screens should be shared or permission granted for use.

Cafe

Ask to use empty empty seats.

Keep your eyes on your screen not your neighbors.

Get permission before taking a chair.

Clean spills on tables to save electronic devices.

Eat first. Engage others, then surf.

Wash your hands with soap and dry them before you surf.

Take a drink from your coffee before you type in your first internet address.

Sit close to the router for a better signal.

Sit close to the air conditioner to keep your computer cool.

Dress appropriately.

Library

Do not use public libraries for business purposes.

Research is not business.

Follow the user agreement.

The Librarian is the netiquette authority in charge.

Share space with other patrons.

Use the entire library rather than just Wi-Fi.

Read quietly because libraries are culturally quiet.

Register for libraries that you use.

Support the library and its activities where appropriate.

Read books.

Mobile Device

Do not drive while digitally distracted because it increases your chances of being in an accident. Digital distraction is doing two things at once one of which is a digital activity. Driving while distracted is driving a vehicle while distracted by another activity.

No loud talking, use your indoor voice to communicate with a mobile device so others are not distracted.

Silence all the tones on your mobile devices in meetings because they may interrupt.

Personal information is private, not to be shared with mobile business associates.

Keep it real, excuse yourself to answer your phone, so that it is clear your not listening to the person you are with.

Do not disturb the public by cursing or swearing during a conversation.

Avoid loud musical ringtones because they are offensive to some.

Leave voicemail messages that are shorter than forty five (45) seconds.

Know your ring tone, so you do not check your cell every time you hear a ring.

No mobile in movies, do not use mobile devices in movie theaters.

Use the camera wisely. Turn it off at concerts because it is not cool to break copyright laws.

No cyber sins. Turn it off in Church because it is a sin to digitally disrespect God.

No cyber walking. Do not walk and talk or perform any other digital function while walking because it can cause an accident.

Ask if the person you are calling is available to speak with you when you call a mobile phone because you may be interrupting them without a good reason.

Announce yourself. Identify yourself, so that the recipient knows who they are talking too.

Ask before you act. Ask before taking a picture because it is rude take something without asking.

Let the caller know. Tell the person your calling you're on a cell because the conversation may be interrupted.

Stay 10 feet from others when your on your phone for privacy and comfortability. Leave others alone.

Text

Do not text and drive because it causes accidents.

If you have to Text a message more than 50 characters send an email instead.

Don't sext, send sexual texts because texts are semi public.

Use emoticons in moderation because they annoy some.

Do not text while angry because text can be permanent while emotion changes quickly.

Don't text bad news because it is hard to convey the tone of a text.

Smartphone

Text is simple not smart because simple messages are read and understood.

Do business on your smartphone during business hours. Use it for personal reasons when it's not business hours.

Do not ignore people in reality to use your smartphone. Live in the moment not digital distraction.

Check your smartphone for a good reason because it distracts others around you.

Don't send sensitive information via smartphone because it's not secure.

Do one task at a time on your smartphone because multi-tasking can cause malfunctions.

If you cannot let everyone see what you doing on your phone, do not do it in public because it's not a public activity.

Excuse yourself before you check your smartphone or make a phone call so you don't hurt anyone's feeling by ignoring them.

Vibrate is not silent and can cause distractions. Turn your smartphone off completely in meeting to avoid unintended interruptions.

Use earphones for media as a courtesy to those around you because media is distracting to those around you.

Phablet

Use a case for protection from cracks, scratches, and theft.

Share the screen with others who can see it anyway.

Video Chat the way everyone always wanted to with a big screen in HD.

Keep your stylus safe by putting it away when your finished and having extras in case you lose one.

Use password protection for the screen lock and do not let the phablet remember passwords.

Tablet

Greet the people around you before you turn on your tablet because a tablet is a social device with personal applications.

Don't use tablets in the bathroom because that is not there intended purpose.

Share with friends. Tablets facilitate sharing with small groups.

Use earphones to play media inside hotspots because earphones are customary for all devices.

Use your tablet where appropriate because it is up to the user to decide where appropriate in many situations.

Don't take it to bed because it's a fragile electronic device that can be broken easily.

Do not let your tablet distract you from important activities. It can be a time sink.

Always be aware that your screen is open to public. Do not display adult content on your screen in public or semi-public places.

Do not show off your tablet to strangers because it may make you a target for theft.

Kindle

Browse the web for news and books.

Turn off wi-fi when your not using it to save the battery.

Press the alt key with the right arrow key to skip ahead by chapter when reading ebooks.

Email documents to the free Amazon email address to prevent additional charges when you need a doc on your kindle. They will not download in 3G mode. It's the @free.kindle.com email.

Install the Kindle App on your mobile devices and PC. The App is compatible with everything.

Know the status of memory. Check it by pressing the menu button. The amount of memory available is displayed in the top corner.

Browse the web on mobile pages for optimum performance because regular ones load slow.

Use a third party app to format non compatible ebooks for your Kindle. PDF's can be read but usually need a little formatting.

Nook

Be careful because the screen is glass and can break if dropped.

Use a case to protect the screen from scratches, bumps, and falls.

Sign up for Netflix because it is a complimentary product. It's designed for Netflix use.

Laptop

Share plugs so we can all surf together. Plugs for digital devices including laptops can be hard to find at home and at hotspots. Let someone use a plug if they need one.

Use one plug at a time. Save energy and share with your neighbors. Do not hog plugs with laptops, netbooks, and mobile devices.

Mute your laptop turn on sound because it can break the concentration of those around you.

Be aware of your surrounding and act accordingly. Don't use more than one chair in a crowded hotspot.

Stay engaged in reality during meetings, at school, anywhere else you have to use your laptop and engage people.

Don't distract others by using your laptop when no one else is. Use it where appropriate and acceptable.

Access appropriate content because your screen is public.

Keep your eye out for your cords to electronic devices because it is easy to trip over them.

Keep your battery charged because plugs are often full.


David Chiles
Author
Internet Users Guide: Safe & Successful Surfing
Netiquette eStore