Information for parents and teachers
The information found here is meant for parents, teachers and care-givers that are planning to work with a book in the series Computer books for CHILDREN.
Visual Steps is the publisher of the series Computer books for CHILDREN.
This series is developed for children nine years old and up.
Every book in the series follows the same method which features:
- Detailed step-by-step instructions
- Full colour illustrations for each step
The book is meant to be set next to the keyboard. The child performs each action directly on the computer in front of them. The child will learn very quickly how to work with Windows and various software programs.
Children can work through the books on their own.
In some cases help from an adult may be necessary, such as when a child's user level permissions are restricted. In this situation, Windows will not allow installation of new programs. You will need to give assistance by logging on to the computer with administrator priviledges. This will always be indicated in the text.
In the book Windows Vista and Internet for CHILDREN several online applications are discussed including Windows Live Messenger. These applications are very popular with children and adults alike.
They offer fantastic ways of communicating with friends, family and acquaintances. They do however also pose a potential danger of a child coming into contact with persons or companies with dubious intentions. As in the real world a child must learn how to deal with the dangers that may be encountered. Learning to recognize danger and avoiding risky behaviour is of the utmost importance.
In every computer book developed for children, our team of authors (Studio Visual Steps) devotes special attention to how to use the Internet as safely as possible. The risks involved in chat room services, photo and video uploads, e-mail attachments and software downloads are carefully explained.
Of course your support in this "Internet-education" is greatly needed. As a parent/caretaker or teacher you can exert great influence in the Internet behaviour of the child. Make the child therefore regularly aware of the negative consequences of unwanted behaviour and activities. Discuss it with the child. Point out that safe conduct on the Internet is as important as it is in the "real world".
By clicking the button Be on guard!!! on this website a special ads-page is opened showing examples of advertisements that can be very misleading. When one moves with the cursor over one of these ads a warning text about the danger of this kind of ad pops up. Of course the ads shown have a purely educational purpose and no data can be entered.
As a parent and/or teacher you should be aware that there is no end to this kind of advertising on the Internet, and especically on sites that children frequent. Children often have no qualms about offering personal information and the consequences can be very undesirable. Once data is collected, it may be sold and used for any kind of of marketing objective. This could lead to unintentional subscriptions such as the infamous "free" or "cheap" cellphone services such as ringtones and wallpapers.
It is important therefore to discuss these dangers with your child. Look at these ads together and make them of aware of the dangers they pose. A critical attitude will prevent a lot of misery.
Some general advice:
1) Keep your computer in a “common” room, where you can keep an eye on it.
2) Allow your young children Internet access only when you are present.
3) Talk to your children about the things that they may encounter online. Without scaring them, make them aware of chat room danger, web sites with inaccurate information, unsuitable material online and e-mail from strangers. They should understand that people online are not always who they say they are.
4) Encourage children never to open e-mails, files or web pages from people they do not know, as viruses can be spread unknowingly.
5) Teach your child how to evaluate information on websites. Because a website looks smart does not mean that its content is true.
6) Let your children know that they can talk to you about anything that makes them uncomfortable. Remember, access to pornography sites often happens accidentally.
Consider partitioning your computer into separate accounts. Most operating systems (including Windows Vista) give you the option of creating a different user account for each user. If you're worried that your child may accidentally access, modify, and/or delete your files, you can give her a separate account and decrease the amount of access and number of privileges she has.
If you don't have separate accounts, you need to be especially careful about your security settings. In addition to limiting functionality within your browser, avoid letting your browser remember passwords and other personal information. Also, it is always important to keep your operating system up-to-date, and make sure both your antivirus and antispyware software are regularly updated.
Every computer book from Visual Steps follows the same hands-on, step by step method used in the children's books. You can improve your general computer knowledge and software skills by working through one of the books in our adult series. Books are available for Windows XP and Vista and cover a range of different topics. A great new book is our Interesting Online Applications for SENIORS. It is not only for seniors! For anyone interested in learning more about today's popular online applicatons including Google Earth, Skype, Facebook, Blogger and more.
Visit our website www.visualsteps.com for more information.
In the series Computer books for children
Windows Vista and Internet for CHILDREN
Authors: Studio Visual Steps
ISBN: 978 90 5905 056 3
Nr of pages: 208
Book type: Paperback, full colour
Price: USA $ 19.95
CANADA $ 21.95
Visual Steps takes great care in the development of new computer books geared towards children. We are always on the look out for topics that would benefit by our unique approach to learning by doing, watching and practicing with the aid of abundant illustration and straightforward text. We aim to focus our attention on the practical issues children face as their computer skills increase.
Do you have any questions, comments or suggestions regarding the content of the book Windows Vista and Internet for CHILDREN?
Send an e-mail to info@visualsteps.com. We appreciate all of your feedback!
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Our books are distributed by Independent Publishers Group ( www.ipgbook.com) and are available in bookstores across the USA, Canada, United Kingdom, Australia and New Zealand. If a particular title is not available at your local book store, ask to have them place an order for you.
The Visual Steps books may be purchased online from any of the following booksellers:
in the USA
Amazon
Barnes & Noble
in Canada
Amazon (Canada)
Indigo Books & Music
in the United Kingdom
Amazon (UK)
Yahoo! KIDS - special Parents section with tips about Online Safety, entertainment and more
WiredSafety - Internet safety, help and education resources
OnGuard Online - provides practical tips from the federal government and technology industry to help you be on guard against Internet fraud, secure your computer and protect your information
Highlights for Children - For more than 60 years, "Highlights for Children" has left an indelible imprint on the hearts and minds of tens of millions of children. See their Parent Services section for activities for parents and kids, everyday dilemmas, parenting perpectives
GetNetWise - a public service to help ensure that Internet users have safe, constructive, and educational or entertaining online experiences.
CTIA - Current information on web and cell phone safety issues
Visual Steps Publishing is one of the world's leading publishers of computer books. Over the years, many beginning computer users and children have learned how to work with the computer by using the renowned step by step method developed by Visual Steps. A list of all available books can be found on our website www.visualsteps.com. Visit our website and subsribe to the free Visual Steps Newsletter. All subscribers have exclusive access to online tutorials, free PDF downsloads and other valuable resources.
The Visual StepsTM Concept
All of our products follow the same methodology known as the Visual StepsTM concept. This method distinguishes itself in a number of ways from traditional instructional methods.
The proven Visual Steps methodology features:
- Easy, step by step intructions
- Screen illustration for each step
- Explanations and additional background information in plain English