DALLAS — Aug. 28, 2006 — Microsoft Corp. today announced that the Get Net Safe tour will kick off tomorrow in Dallas, designed to help people learn how to become more safe and secure on the Internet. The multiple-stop tour — with events Aug. 29–31 in the Dallas metropolitan area — will give children, teens, parents, business owners and people over 50 the opportunity to participate in unique forums about how to be better protected online.
The Get Net Safe tour was created by Microsoft and 10 partner organizations to help raise awareness of computing security and Internet safety among PC users. A recent study conducted by Microsoft and RT Strategies Inc. found that although 74 percent of respondents believe they have the skills to protect themselves online, more than half (57 percent) are not sure they know enough to effectively protect their information.
“The Internet is a valuable resource that is changing the way we live, work and entertain ourselves,” said Jennifer Heard, South Central Enterprise District general manager for Microsoft. “The Get Net Safe tour events will provide information for people to understand how to help protect their PCs, themselves, their businesses and their families online, so they can realize the full potential of the Internet.”
“We’re excited to be in Dallas as part of the Get Net Safe tour with Microsoft and the other organizations to educate communities on the ways they can stay better protected online,” said Ernie Allen, president and CEO of the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children (NCMEC). “It is great to gather a wealth of expertise to take a solid next step in addressing consumers’ desires for simple, common-sense ways to help protect themselves online.”
The tour combines the resources of national organizations to host a series of seminars, luncheons and school assemblies throughout the greater Dallas area to heighten awareness and provide people with tools and information for using the Internet more safely. Participating organizations are AARP, Boys & Girls Clubs of America, Geek Squad — 24 Hour Computer Support Task Force, GetNetWise, i-SAFE Inc., Microsoft, NCMEC, National Cyber Security Alliance (NCSA), the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, the Federal Trade Commission’s OnGuard Online, and the Department of Commerce.
From May through December, the tour will stop in Boston; Charlotte, N.C.; Chicago; Dallas; Detroit; Los Angeles; New York; Orlando, Fla.; Philadelphia; Phoenix; Seattle; and Washington, D.C. The following activities are open to the public:
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Microsoft® Internet safety seminars. Tuesday, Aug. 29 (10 a.m.) at Lovers Lane United Methodist Church in Dallas. Wednesday, Aug. 30 (5:30 p.m.) at Haltom City Senior Center in Haltom City; co-sponsored by Geek Squad and The Senior Source. People will learn how to protect their PCs, identify common Internet scams and keep their personal information secure.
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NCMEC and i-SAFE parent nights. Wednesday, Aug. 30 (7 p.m.) at Carroll Senior High School in Southlake, sponsored by NCMEC. Thursday, Aug. 31 (6:30 p.m.) at Lorenzo De Zavala Middle School in Irving, sponsored by i-SAFE. Parents and guardians will be introduced to the possible dangers of the Internet and learn how to keep kids safe while enjoying the benefits of the Internet.
More information about the Get Net Safe tour and safe Internet practices can be found online at http://www.staysafe.org.
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