The Bottom Line
The home user market is a significant area of computer insecurity and the children and teens are the ones who are joining the Internet community each day with no concept of computer or network security. Teens also tend to engage in riskier computer use such as file sharing, chat rooms and online gaming. Dan Appleman provides the information teens, or anyone else for that matter, should know before venturing out onto the Internet or World Wide Web.
Pros
- Great information for more than just the teen audience it is aimed at
- Organized well to provide critical information first
- Accompanying web site provides a wealth of additional information
Cons
- None
Description
- Good coverage of risks and explanations of the steps you need to take be secure
- Teens tend to use computers in riskier ways and Appleman addresses those security needs
- The accompanying web site provides a wealth of information beyond just augmenting the book
Guide Review - Book Review: Always Use Protection
One of the problems with securing the Internet and reducing the impact of threats from malware, vulnerability exploits, phishing scams, spyware and other risks is that there are constantly new users joining the Internet community who need to be taught what the risks are and how to protect themselves. Children and teens represent a good portion of this new breed of Internet users. Not only are they new to the Internet and the concepts of security, but they tend to use the computer and the Internet in riskier ways than adults- participating in chat rooms and online gaming or transferring files on peer-to-peer (P2P) networks. Dan Appleman has put together a book which addresses not only the basic concepts of security, but specifically highlights the ways that teens tend to use computers and how they can do so more securely. The book is well-written and is written in language that computer novices can follow. It also has a younger edge to it which is aimed at the target audience. If you are looking for an explanation of the risks of using computers on the Internet and the ways you can do so securely this book is a good resource even if you aren't quite a teenager any more. The accompanying web site (alwaysuseprotection.com) not only supplements or augments the book but is an excellent source of news and information in and of itself to help users stay informed on security issues even after they finish the book.