GENERAL ADVICE FOR THE NEW ON-LINE USER

The benefits of being on-line far outweigh the risks, but being aware
of the risks, the tools, and the support available better prepares the
newcomer for the adventure.


Understand the impediments to perceived safety:

1) that system footprints or tracks may be read to see:  

   * when and where your logins occurred 
   * when and what commands you've executed
   * even information deleted may be retrieved from backups

2) that your account is only as secure as it's password

3) that sysops or root-holders:  

   * may read mail, files or directories without leaving footprints 
   * may undelete files you've erased 
   * may release your files, etc. under warrant

4) that default file protection may not be secure for newly created
   files

5) that mail:  

   * may be compromised by each forwarding site 
   * bounces may appear in entirety to the postmaster 
   * is owned by BOTH the sender and the receiver

6) that identifying biographies may be system searched or remotely
   fingered

7) that other users' identities:  

   * may not be what they appear 
   * may be falsely registered 
   * may have had their own account compromised



Be aware of the social dangers possible online:

   * Harassment, or frequent or unsolicited messages from another
     user, occasionally sent randomly to women's id's

   * Stalking, or being watched or followed online, occasionally
     coupled with physical confrontation

   * Flaming, or emotional verbal attacks

   * Addiction, or the need for support/feedback available online
     outweighing a reasonable budget of time or money.



Know how to protect yourself:  (privacy begins at home)

1) Protect your password:  

   * Chose a strong password ( a combination of upper and lower case
     characters, and not a name or a dictionary word).
   * Do not leave your terminal logged in unattended.  
   * Do not let anyone watch you log in.  
   * Log out cleanly.

2) Protect your files:  

   * Know the default for newly created files.
   * Occasionally monitor your files.

3) Protect your information:  

   * Never send compromising information (your phone number, password,
     address, or vacation dates) by chat, sends, mail, or in your bio.  
   * See if encryption is available if necessary.



See what education/communication means are available:

   * Join a support group like the Santa Monica PEN's PEN Femmes, or
     the online groups BAWiT or SYSTERS.

   * Attend seminars, classes or study groups.

   * Make use of private, special interest forums online.

   * Use peer pressure in public online to settle disputes.

   * Answer harassment & inappropriate behavior directly and
     unambiguously, and then post for comment and discussion.

   * Advocate for grievance procedures, tolerance guidelines and the
     discouragement of false or anonymous user registrations.

   * Do not submit to unreasonable pressure.

   * Speak up for what you want.



Please distribute this advice wherever appropriate, and please contact
me with any questions, comments, or suggestions.

Hilarie Gardner <calliope@well.sf.ca.us>