Keeping your Child safe on the Internet

With School holidays fast approaching many children will be spending their days off surfing the Internet.  You may have heard stories about children being exploited online, whether through unwanted overtures by adults or exposure to sexually oriented or violent material. Considering the millions of kids who use the Internet daily, the frequency with which these incidents occur is quite small. While it is true that material of a sexual nature can be accessed over the Internet this kind of content represents only a fraction of the vast collection of information online. Internet safety for kids is serious business. We must always be diligent in the protection of our children. But instead of being afraid of the "big-bad Internet" and keeping our kids away from it, let's try to apply a few safety rules and see how easy it can be.

Every computer no matter who builds it starts the same as a box or bin of some combination of off the shelf components. Even the largest brand name manufacturers start the same way. It is very rare for a computer manufacturer to design or make any of the parts that go into their computers.

There are two major types of components.

·          OEM

·          Retail Box

OEM parts ‘Original Equipment Manufacturer’ parts are aimed at major manufacturers, who provide a 1-year warranty with their computers. These parts have only a 1-year manufacturers warranty or less.  Retail Box parts usually have a 2 to 3 year warranty. Why the difference? It is in the testing manufacturers do. The Retail Box parts meet their highest standard. The OEM parts fail the Retail Box standard but pass a lower standard. They are not expected to last as long thus the difference in warranty.

Large brand name manufacturers generally use OEM parts with a 1-year warranty and often only extend this warranty to their clients for a 90-day period. On the other hand, Retail Box Parts usually have 2 to 3 year warranty, and often last beyond this warranty period.

Bottom Line: It is not important what brand in on the outside of the case but rather what components are inside.

Over the last few years we have seen a number of companies aggressively advertising financed computers in Western Canada selling a lot of them and then going out of business. This is very bad for customers, lowering the trust in the industry and you in the end you still have to pay even if they are out of business. Be careful.

 Other things to consider:

·          How fast can you get service and do you have to ship your computer back to the manufacturer for service. The same day or next day is what you should expect and demand.

·          How much real honest advice is the seller willing to give you or are they just trying to sell you the most expensive computer possible.

·          Are the components current. Many large stores sell from inventory much of which is obsolete or discontinued. Nobody wants to pay new prices for old technology.

·          Does the operating system disk come with the unit or is it extra. What other software is included and is it useful.

 ·          Are there any other software choices with disks included.  The problem with many large brand name computers is that software comes preloaded on the hard drive, no disks are supplied, and the disks cost extra. You need the disks. Make sure they are included with the original package.

 ·          Can this computer be upgraded. How much can be added and what does it cost. Many brand name and economy priced computers are not easily upgraded. Brand name computers are often only upgradeable with proprietary parts, which can cost 2 to 3 times their generic equivalent value. People often do not find this out until they try to get it upgraded.

 ·          Is the warranty Canada wide and does it cover both labour and parts.

This is not everything you need to consider but these are important questions to ask. I hope it helps you.