CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Oct. 24, 2006 — Microsoft Corp. today announced that the Get Net Safe tour, designed to help people learn how to become more safe and secure on the Internet, will stop in Charlotte for several days, starting today. The multiple-stop tour, with events Oct. 24–26 in the Charlotte 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. (http://www.rtstrategies.com) 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.
“Microsoft and the organizations participating in the Get Net Safe tour are determined to help make the Internet safer for people,” said Bill Forsyth, general manager of the Southeast region at Microsoft. “The tour events in Charlotte will provide people with simple tips and information to help protect their PCs, their information and their family online.”
“We’re excited to be in Charlotte as part of the Get Net Safe tour with Microsoft and the other organizations to educate various communities on the ways they can stay better protected online,” said Sean Heather, executive director with the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. “Over the next several days students, parents, those over 50, and small and medium-sized businesses will be given the very best information by experts on 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 Charlotte 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, National Center for Missing & Exploited Children (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; 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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Tuesday, Oct. 24
1–3 p.m.
Internet Safety Seminar, sponsored by AARP and Microsoft
Levine Senior Center, 10545 NE Parkway, Matthews, NC
7–8 p.m.
Parent Night, sponsored by NCMEC and Microsoft
Union Academy, 675 North Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., Monroe, NC
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Wednesday, Oct. 25
6:30–8:30 p.m.
Parent Night, sponsored by NCMEC and Microsoft
Covenant Day School, 800 Fullwood Lane, Matthews, NC
6:30–8:30 p.m.
Parent Night, sponsored by i-SAFE and Microsoft
Olympic High School Media Center, 4301 Sandy Porter Road, Charlotte, NC
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Thursday, Oct. 26
1:30–3:30 p.m.
Internet Safety Seminar, sponsored by AARP and Microsoft
Charlotte-Mecklenburg Senior Center, 2225 Tyvola Road, Charlotte, NC
More information about the Get Net Safe tour and safe Internet practices can be found online at http://www.staysafe.org.
Founded in 1975, Microsoft (Nasdaq “MSFT”) is the worldwide leader in software, services and solutions that help people and businesses realize their full potential.
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