November 2009

Q: What is an ARG?

It’s the sound you make when you stub your toe. Next question!

OK, sorry, that was a bad joke. ARG is short for Alternate Reality Game. Basically, instead having a game controlled by artificial intelligence , the players’ actions directly affect what happens in-game!

These Internet games are always multiplayer and often use real world objects as part of the game experience. For example, a player might receive a phone call on their cell phone. What they say and hear has a direct affect on the game. Other real-world objects and places used by these games include local libraries, e-mail accounts, and physical mailing addresses.

Generally, these games focus on a mystery the player can solve. To solve it, the player must find clues in many in-game and out-of-game ways. Talk about an immersive game! Some employers are even starting to use these games to see how employees do at solving problems. I’m sure Alan will be happy to know that his video game skills might help him get a job one day!

October 2009

Q: What is Bandwidth?

Bandwidth is a tricky thing to define since it can mean one of two things. Generally speaking, bandwidth describes the speed of your Internet connection. If your connection’s bandwidth is rated for 5 mbps, it should be able to process 5 megabytes of digital information every second without slowing down or crashing. The more bytes per second the connection can handle, the faster your connection will be. If you try downloading more than your connection can manage, you may get lag or get disconnected entirely!

Bandwidth can also describe the amount of information you are allowed to process by, say, your school. For example, here at the Academy, the Cadets have a weekly 10-gigabyte bandwidth allowance. If they use more than that much without permission, they might be banned from the network for a while! If you go over the limit that your home ISP has set, your parents could have to pay a lot more money on their monthly bill, so be careful.

Speaking of using more than your fair share of bandwidth, I’m getting some strange readings from the dorm rooms. I hope the Cadets haven’t gotten themselves into any trouble.

September 2009

Q: What’s the Difference between Shareware and Freeware?

A: In order to answer this question, let’s first talk about what they have in common. Generally speaking, both shareware and freeware are types of software downloaded from the Internet. Another similarity is that both have an EULA (End User License Agreement). Both are also generally free of charge. Well, at least they are free of charge at first.

Freeware is totally free of charge. Shareware, on the other hand, is only free for a little while. Before you get to use the shareware, you need to accept the EULA. This will tell you how long you can use the program for free before the programmer asks for money. This period can be a length of time, like a week or a month, or it could be how many times you open the program.

Remembering the difference between is easy – freeware is always free, shareware is freely shared for a little while.

August 2009

Q: What are some Different Ways to Create a Web Site?

A: Without getting into things like buying a domain name or choosing a web host (you should get a parent or trusted adult to help you with these things), creating a web site comes down to the fun of designing the site itself. HTML (hyper text mark-up language) is the basic web programming language that people use to build Web sites. In my opinion, the easiest way for you to start a web site is to use something called a What-You-See-Is-What-You-Get (WYSIWYG) web editor. This software allows for very easy web page design without having to bother with coding. Simply put, if you can use a word processor, you should have no trouble with this type of program. Examples of WYSIWYG web editors are Dreamweaver, which is a great option if you have the money to spend on it, or KompoZer, which is a freeware web editor.

Both of these programs have online tutorials that help you get started designing your first web site, so get on the Internet, get your program, and get creative!

July 2009

Q: What is the Difference between a Bit and a Byte?

A: The simple answer to this question is that a bit is 1/8th of a byte. Of course, if there is a simple answer to a question, there must also be a more complex answer.

A bit, or binary digit, is the smallest unit of measure used for computer information storage. At its most basic, a bit represents either a one (1) or zero (0), which a computer reads as an “on” or “off”. Maybe it would be helpful to think of a bit as a letter and a byte as a word. Each individual letter carries information (in our case either “on” or “off”) but no real meaning. When these letters are combined to form words, however, they can be used to convey a variety of information. By rearranging the ones and zeroes, a byte can represent 256 unique combinations and therefore can convey 256 different messages to a computer. It always amazes me that something as simple as this two-paragraph document is made up of almost 27 kilobytes, or 216,000 bits!

June 2009

Q: What is Web 2.0?

A: When the Internet was first created, most of the information was delivered in a one-sided manner, from creator to viewer. Someone would create a Web site and you would go look at it to get the information. This is considered “Web 1.0,” or the “first” version of the Internet. “Web 2.0” is a sort of second version of the Internet that allows people to have two-sided, back-and-forth communication and collaboration. Examples of Web 2.0 trends are socializing on social networking sites, running software applications through the browser, publishing blogs that other people can comment on, and sharing media through sites like YouTube and Flickr.

While the technology of the Internet has stayed the same for the most part, Web 2.0 has come about because developers and users are changing the way they use the Internet. Web 2.0 trends allow users to do a lot more than just get information. If you think of Web 1.0 like watching a video about trees, Web 2.0 might allow you to ask questions about trees, let you comment on the video or share a story about trees, publish your own video or pictures of trees, and share the video with your friends in Cyberspace so they can see what you think, too.

May 2009

Q: How can I protect my computer from hackers?

A: To protect your computer from hackers, there are a few things you can do:

• Make sure that you patch all your software vulnerabilities to leave as few security holes as possible
• Use a strong password to protect your computer and change it often
• Use anti-virus software to protect your machine from malware that might leave your computer vulnerable to attack
• Scan your computer regularly to check for problems and vulnerabilities
• Install a software firewall to detect intrusions
• You can also use an intrusion prevention system for an added layer of protection. Intrusion prevention systems are more secure than firewalls. They can control access to an entire network and take immediate action when an intrusion is detected

April 2009

Q: What is the Difference Between Bitmap, JPEG,
and GIF Files?

A: All images that come from a scanner or digital camera are bitmap files. A bitmap file is made up of pixels aligned in a grid, a “map” of “bits.” Because the number of pixels is set, if you try to increase the size it will reduce the image quality. However, by decreasing the size, it can be faster to send an image to others by email or download from a Web site.

JPEGs and GIFs are two common bitmap file formats. Each format reduces the size of a digital image but in different ways.

• GIFs (Graphics Interchange Format) can display anything up to 256 colors. When you save an image as a GIF, the format reduces the size of an image file by reducing the number of colors in the image. GIF files are good for images with few colors, such as logos, drawings and comics. They also allow transparency and animation, so they can be used for simple special effects on Web pages.
• JPEGs (Joint Photographic Experts Group) can
  display millions of colors and, therefore, are better for photographs. Instead of dropping colors, JPEGs reduce the size of an image file by discarding details that are usually barely noticeable to the human eye, which is a process called compression. The more compressed a file is, the more distorted it will appear. JPEGs are not good for images that have very little data to compress, like line drawings.

March 2009

Q: What Causes Slow Internet Service?

A: Many factors can cause your Internet service to slow down. Some of these causes are out of your control, such as a bad line, too many people trying to access the Internet at the same time, system trouble at your ISP, and trying to access an overloaded Web or file server.

There are also causes that you do have some control over, such as your modem’s speed, your computer’s settings, and software that might be slowing your computer down. One of the biggest causes of a slow Internet connection is a malware infection, such as a virus or spyware, so using anti-virus software and keeping it up-to-date to prevent infection is an important step to a fast Internet connection.

Like malware, other software programs might also be running in the background and slowing your computer down. Some of these, like anti-virus software, need to be running, but you might be able to remove others.

You can also adjust your Web browser settings to speed up your connection. You can reduce the size of your web cache and clean it out regularly, so your browser has less files to sift through, and prevent animations and scripts from loading automatically to make Web pages load faster.

February 2009

Q: What are the Different Ways to Connect
to the Internet?

A: There are many different ways to connect to the Internet, at many different speeds:

• Dial-up – The slowest and least expensive way to connect to the Internet, dial-up uses a modem and transfers data through the telephone line. It also ties up the telephone line, so you can’t receive or make any calls while connected to the Internet. You have to dial in to connect and hang up to disconnect. Connections can also be easily disrupted by noise on the line.
• Broadband connections such as DSL and Cable Modem – Broadband connections use cable television lines or a DSL line and are up to 70 times faster than dial-up. DSL lines allow you to connect to the Internet and talk on the phone at the same time, but you have to have a subscription to the service. Broadband connections allow you to stay connected to the Internet all the time. You just open a browser window. Because of this they also put your computer at a higher risk for malware infection.
• Satellite – Satellite is another form of broadband that uses satellite transmissions rather than landlines. It is popular in areas where cable and DSL are unreliable or unavailable. Satellite connections are usually slower and very choppy, especially when playing games or downloading.
• FIOS (Fiber Optic Service) – FIOS uses special fiber optic lines that transmit data with light, rather than with electrical signals like the copper lines used for television and telephone lines. Fiber optic lines can cover longer distances and handle more traffic than copper lines. The slowest connection speed with FIOS is faster than DSL, but FIOS is not available everywhere, and the lines must be installed in order to bring service to an area.
• Wireless – You can also connect to the Internet from a wireless modem or mobile device like a cell phone. To connect to the Internet wirelessly, there must be a Wi-Fi, WiMax, or cellular network in range of the device. Connection speeds vary a lot, depending on the device, the distance from the access point, and the strength of the signal.

January 2009

Q: Are the Internet and the World Wide Web
the Same Thing?

A: The Internet is a world-wide system of connected computer networks consisting of countless machines linked by cables and wireless connections. It is the pipeline that carries data like emails, files, instant messages, and web pages between computers. The Internet is what gives you access to the World Wide Web.

The World Wide Web is usually referred to as "the Web" and is what the WWW stands for in a URL. It is a system of linked hypertext documents, or Web pages. The Web is only one of the many resources on the Internet, but it is one of the most popular.

December 2008

Q: What is a ZIP file?

A: A ZIP file is a single file, sometimes called an archive, that contains one or more compressed files. Compressing files reduces their size, so they take up less space on your computer. Compressed file archives make it easier to store related files together and to send or download a group of files at the same time. ZIP files have the file extension .zip and require software to both create and uncompress them.

The ZIP file format is one of many data compression file formats, and is called "ZIP" because it is a little faster than some of the others. ZIP files compress each file separately, so that you don't have to unzip everything just to retrieve one file in the archive.

November 2008

Q: What is the difference between Hardware
and Software?

A: Hardware and software are both components of digital devices like computers or cell phones.

Hardware are the physical components, things you can touch and hold, like the hard drive, motherboard, and memory cards. Software are the programs that run on the hardware and make it work, like the operating system and web browser. Each software program is a set of instructions written in computer language that tells the hardware how to act. The kind of software you can use on a device will be limited by the kind of hardware you have.

Hardware and software can both develop problems. Physical damage (like dropping your computer or spilling water on it) mostly affects your hardware, and you can fix it by replacing the damaged part. Malware and bugs mostly affect your software, and you can fix it with patches or by re-installing the affected programs. In both cases, you’ll probably lose some of your files while you repair the problem.

Back up your files regularly, so any work you do on your computer is safe from these problems.

October 2008

Q: What should I be concerned about when using
public computers?

A: There are a few general safety issues that you need to be aware of when using a public computer or even a public network:

• Malware - Public computers can have a lot more malware on them than your computer at home. Public networks are not always secure. To protect your own devices, like portable hard drives or mp3 players, do not plug them into a public computer.
  
  Avoid entering or viewing personal information on public computers. Someone or something could steal your information, such as credit card numbers or even personal information in your email inbox. For example, spyware and keyloggers are tools that cyber criminals can use to track any information you transmit.
  
  If you absolutely have to log in to an account, change your password once you are back on a secure computer.
  
  
• Leaving behind information - Anything you leave behind on a public computer is accessible to anyone who uses it after you. Don't use any of the options to store your information on the computer, delete any documents you have viewed, clear the browser cache and history, and empty the trash before you walk away.
  
  
• Snooping - Some people just can't help looking at other people's computer monitors. If you're doing something you don't want other people to see, don't do it on a public computer.
  
  
• Germs - Who knows how many people have touched that computer mouse before you or how dirty their hands were! After using a public computer, wash your hands.

September 2008

Q: What is an MMOG?

A: MMOG is short for massively multiplayer online game. MMOG is a game played over the Internet at the same time as hundreds or thousands of other players.

Most MMOGs have what is called a persistent universe, which means the game continues even when you stop playing. Players appear on screen as customizable characters, or avatars. The avatars complete tasks by themselves or with a group of other players. Players can also interact with each other by trading, chatting or playing mini-games.

Most MMOGs have a monthly subscription fee. The most popular type of MMOG is the massively multiplayer online role-playing game (MMORPG). Since players can chat with each other, MMOGs carry the same cybersecurity risks as other online communications like chat rooms and instant messenger.

August 2008

Q: What do I do if I think someone I've been chatting
with online is lying about who they really are?

A:If you know this person in real life, someone could have hacked into their account and is pretending to be them. If it's someone that you met online and you think they are lying to you, you should talk to a trusted adult for advice. It's okay to have online friends, but it's safest to keep them as online-only friends.

Unfortunately it is very easy for people to hide behind a lie on the Internet, so always be careful when chatting and don't share any of your personal information with anyone. Watch out for people asking for your personal information or to meet in person, they can be trying to harm you or steal your identity. If this person won't leave you alone, you can block them from contacting you or sending you messages. You can also contact the police for help if you are worried about your safety.

July 2008

Q: What do I do if I am being Cyber bullied?

A: Cyber bullying is when people use the Internet to harass, intimidate, embarrass, or put-down others. If you are being Cyber bullied, tell your parents or a trusted adult right away! They can help you take care of the problem by identifying and blocking the Cyber bully or reporting them to the authorities. If you receive threatening or harassing emails or text messages, save them as evidence. If it's someone you go to school with, your school may be able to provide counseling or mediation between you and the Cyber bully.

The best way to combat Cyber bullying is to prevent it from ever happening. What you do and say in Cyberspace has real-world consequences and can really hurt people, so don't be a bully yourself and avoid people that try to bully you.

June 2008

Q: How can I stop popups?

A: Pop-ups are mostly harmless, but they can be annoying and can also slow down your computer. You can use a pop-up blocker to prevent them from displaying. Most Web browsers have built-in pop-up blockers, or you can use a popup-blocker that runs as a desktop application.

Some reliable Web sites can use pop-ups so if you block all pop-ups, you might have trouble using those sites. You can change the settings of your pop-up blocker to allow them from certain sites that you decide are reliable.

May 2008

Q: What is Flaming?

A: Flaming is posting messages that are deliberately hostile and insulting to an Internet discussion board or blog. Flaming is a type of cyber bullying and Flaming can sometimes even grow into a flame war.

Flamers usually have a strong opinion on a topic and may personally attack others who disagree. Sometimes a message meant as a joke can be mistaken for flaming.

April 2008

Q: What is a Social Networking Site?

A: A Social Networking site is a Web site that brings people together to talk, gossip, share ideas and interests, and make new friends.

Most are available for free on the Web and can have a variety of ways for users to interact, such as chat rooms, instant messaging, email, file sharing, blogging, and forums. They often allow you to create a profile, upload a picture, and allow your network or group of "friends" to view your profile or contact you.

March 2008

Q: What is a Blog?

A: A blog (a combination of the words "web" and "log") is a personal Web site where you can post entries containing text, pictures, links, or video for anyone in Cyberspace to see. Many people use their blogs as an online diary, but others focus on the news or a particular subject. Many blogs allow people who visit them to leave comments on what they read.

Be sure to check out the Academy faculty and cadet blogs on this site!

February 2008

Q: What is a URL?

A: A URL, or Uniform Resource Locator, is like an address and is a way to locate something such as a Web site in Cyberspace. URLs are usually entered into the address bar of a Web browser and they are a combination of parts that describe a network location in Cyberspace and how you want to access it.

For example, the URL http://www.carnegiecyberacademy.com breaks down into these parts:

• HTTP:// - This part is called the Scheme and is how you want to access that Web location. "HTTP" is used when you are viewing a Web site.
• WWW - This refers to the World Wide Web and is also used when viewing a Web site
• Carnegiecyberacademy.com - this is the domain name and identifies the computer on the Internet where the site is. ".com" means it is a commercial site.

January 2008

Q: What does WWW mean?

A: WWW stands for World Wide Web, or The Web for short. The Web is a system of interlinked hypertext documents (or Web pages) that you access through the Internet using a browser. You can navigate between pages on the Web by clicking on hyperlinks in the pages. The letters "www" are commonly found at the beginning of web addresses, but they are not required.

December 2007

Q: What is personal information

A: Personal information is any information about you that could be used to find or identify you in real life. This information is part of your OFFLINE identity and should not be shared with others in Cyberspace. Personal information can be obvious things like your real name, your address, your age, your school, and who your friends and family are, but it can also include not-so-obvious things such as places you like to visit often and your parent's license plate number.

For a printable list of different types of personal information, check out the Hint Sheet for the Communications Level 1 Mission.

November 2007

Q: What is a Firewall?

A: A firewall is a hardware or software device that controls the flow of data between computer networks. Just like a firewall in a building is used to prevent fire from spreading, a firewall in a computer prevents intrusion into a private network. When set up properly, a firewall can prevent attacks to your computer and your network from the outside.

October 2007

Q: What does LOL mean?

A: LOL is short for Laugh out Loud and is the most commonly used chat slang to illustrate you are laughing during a text conversation or that you found something funny. Chat slang is when you use words or letters instead of real words. For example, instead of typing out "are", a user may only type "r".