Computer Support Blog

People like to enjoy life and talk about it, but no one wants everyone knowing every detail. Social networks provide the chance for people to share lives with friends all over the world, and with people who are complete strangers. Online social network users do not have to give up privacy to the entire internet.

So no one has to stop having fun, or telling friends about it, Rescuecom lists four things social network users can do to keep privacy safe while talking to online friends.

1.   Use the service’s privacy settings. Most social networks offer settings to protect privacy, mainly limiting access to user information. For Twitter, just choose Tweet Privacy, and the user approves everyone who wants to view the account. Most other social networks have multiple privacy options. For example, on many social network websites access to account information can be layered to immediate contacts, secondary contacts, and third party contacts- commonly known as friends, friends-of-friends, and everyone. Social network users need to choose how many tiers of online friends can see personal information.

2.   Edit the profile. Most profiles ask users to list age, name, hometown and gender, as well as hobbies and favorite foods. Decide carefully which items are all right to share for each account, based on the level of security in place. Not everyone needs to know biographical information. Many social networks also have separate public or private accounts. Checking both will ensure that private information does not appear on the public account.

3.   Post with care. Despite the networking goal to share the day with friends, some information is best given in a different way. What the groceries cost or where everyone is going out tonight seems like harmless information, but can lead to embarrassment or harassment easily. Remember, anyone approved to view the account is also invited to share an opinion on any shared information. Employers can even judge professional attitudes based on social posts, making social networking part of the work place image.

4.   Get a different account. Third party applications, like social games, are fun. But unknown players get access to your profile, now. Creating a separate account that lacks all personal information lets users play and connect to other applications without endangering their private information. Create accounts for business use, like following the company account or starting a small business, as well. Separate business accounts ensure professionalism as well as protect privacy.

Online socialites do not need to sacrifice privacy to talk to friends. Users can enjoy games and compare work weeks without risking strange people knowing the most personal facts. Social networking does not have to mean the end of personal privacy. So, have fun and tell your friends.

About RESCUECOM:

RESCUECOM provides computer repair and computer support, 24/7: Meeting every tech support need including data recovery, virus removal, networking, wireless services, and computer support for all brands of hardware and software. For computer support or information on products, services, or computer repair, visit https://www.rescuecom.com or call 1-800-RESCUE-PC.

For More Information, Contact:

David Milman, CEO

315-882-1100

david@rescuecom.com

Filed under: business, facebook, Internet, Internet Explorer, networking, networks, rescuecom, security, tips