August 09, 2010

My in-box is starting to fill up with the number one end-of-summer question:  What kind of computer should I buy in the fall? 

Inevitably, as August rolls around, people are both thinking of upgrading their computers and searching for devices for their kids.  In the past few weeks I've watched my best friend Jenna and my father-in-law Garry choose a netbook over a laptop, a decision that is becoming more common as these tiny computers get more powerful and less expensive. For me, as a working mom, I can't imagine life without technology. Whether I'm surfing the web to get wisdom from other parents or video chatting with family, there is not one day that goes by that I don't appreciate the magic of all things electronic.

While I was in PEI this summer I packed up a snazzy new red Dell Mini discovered where it fit in my life. Check out this video travelogue as I take my mini on the road to share some of the cool places to go wireless - and how you can do it too!

Labels/Tags: Amber Mac, tech mummy, Dell Notebook, laptops, desktops

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June 14, 2010

Each year I keynote a few dozen corporate events, talking about how social media can help companies get new clients and customers.  Although I'm speaking to business audiences, the number one question I get at the end of each presentation is how technology is affecting our children. 

While I am a vocal advocate of computers and the Internet, it's critical that parents get educated so that they can teach their kids how to surf safely.  Here are my top five tips for Internet safety in the home. 

1.  Keep the family computer in the living room.  I've mentioned this in a few past columns on Yummy Mummy Club.  Although a pre-teens or young teen might want their own computer in his room, a laptop or desktop located in the family room or den is the best place to ensure that you, as parents, know how much time your kids are spending on the Internet and where they're going.  While I do believe that children should have some privacy, if you turn computing into a family event it can help to make sure everyone is protected.

2.  Use a kid-friendly browser.  If your children are pre-teens, you might want to try out KidRocket.org.  This free download has been around for as long as I can remember, and I've recommended it for years.  It's set up tallow tiny surfers access to kid-friendly sites only, such as TVOKids, PBS Kids, and a number of other child-friendly online destinations.

3.  Be aware of warning signs.  When you child is especially secretive about where he or she is spending time on the web, it might be time for a conversation.  Try to explain to your kid that it's important to only talk to friends and family online, and warn them about risks associated with friending strangers.

4.  Set up online rules.  As a new mom, I'm always hearing from other parents that kids need and want rules.  This is especially true when it comes to the Internet.  When you first get a computer and web access in the household, work with your child to put some guidelines in place and post these rules in a central place so everyone at home knows the parametersAs a new mom, I'm always hearing from other parents that kids need and want rules.  This is especially true when it comes to the Internet.  When you first get a computer and web access in the household, work with your child to put some guidelines in place and post these rules in a central place so everyone at home knows the parameters.  Also, within Windows 7, there are some great safety features that come when you buy a new computer, such as internet usage controls and limited account administration.

5.  Teach kids about privacy.  Canada now has more than 16 million Facebook users, making it the number one social networking site for many of us.  Although it's slightly hidden, the site recently launched an excellent Safety Centre for parents and teens.  From helping your child respond if someone is harassing him to teaching you kid what type of content is appropriate for her to share online, there is a wealth of info here that is pertinent beyond Facebook.

This blog is proudly sponsored by our tech savvy friends Dell who take internet safety for kids seriously.

Labels/Tags: Amber Mac, tech mummy, dell, internet safety

Posted by AmberM at 09:43:25 View Comments | Click Here to Comment

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