Created by the folks at Google, the site offers 50+ short videos with easy to follow, step by step instructions from the Basics to Blogging. They start with a form you fill out, check the videos you think will be helpful (and not demeaning) and it emails the note from you with a link to the videos. Mom, Grandma, your best friend clicks on the video and watches it as often as they like. You might want to take special care – some videos are MAC specific – so don’t confuse the issue… 

1. Shop with businesses you know and can be trusted to stay in business. You also know they have the right to sell branded merchandise and will stand behind their sales.

2. Read and understand the Privacy Policy to know how the site will treat your personal information. If they don’t have a privacy policy and don’t include contact information beyond just a web address – they should not be trusted.

3. Look for the padlock device on the browser bar. Note that the URL should change to “shttp or https” when asking for payment information. Both of these are key indicators that the purchase is encrypted and secure.

4. Be sure you know and agree to all shipping charges, taxes and delivery dates and make note of any conditions that could cause a delay, extra charges, or separate shippings, etc. Be sure you know the return policy and can live with it if items are “non-refundable”.

5.  Gift certificates are great but be sure you know the policy on any gift card or certificate you purchase online. Expiration dates, lost certificates and other conditions could cause these to be a waste of money. Be particularly careful of the new “e-coupons” that cost less than the actual value of the certificate. There could be conditions that your recipient might not be able to meet.

6. Never include your social security number or driver’s license number – these should never be necessary.

7. Be sure you read the descriptions carefully checking for size, weight, color, materials, etc. Pretty catalogue pictures can be deceiving. Watch for tricky phrases like “as seen on TV”, “the same great deal for half the price”, etc.

8. If possible have packages delivered where someone can receive them (work, a neighbor who is normally home, etc). Packages left on the doorstep at this time of year are easy to steal, won’t be missed for a day or two and an indication that you’re not home.

9. Print a copy of the order, the shipping & payment information, etc. – keep a paper trail of the transaction, acknowledgement of the order etc.

10. Check your credit card statements, online banking, etc to be sure that you’ve been charged what you agreed to, there are no double charges and as a way to keep track of holiday spending.

USA TODAY’s Tech Holiday Shopping Guide  (the top 5 Tech Gadgets for 2010 and some tips)

And most importantly of all – HAVE A SAFE AND HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

Read the latest edition of ”yoursphere” by Mary Kay Hoal.  I’ve met Mary Kay at conferences and we’ve shared ideas. She always has great advice and information to help us all keep our kids safe online. Check out her latest blog on how to set parental controls on iPhones and iPod Touch devices.

Buying a new XBox Live/360, or other gaming system? Check out the Healthy Gaming Guide from XBox.

What about video games? Are they too violent or not appropriate for certain ages of children. Check out my always “go to site” - Common Sense Media. They always have the latest information on games, movies and so much more. See their recent article on “Getting Your Game On-Choose Wisely” .

And check out our updated tips if your Black Friday happens in the confines of your home, cup of coffe in one hand and your mouse in the other…Shop safely and have a great holiday season.

The Top 50 Lists by Erin Jansen

Erin Jansen writes to educate and entertain people worldwide about the lingo used in the online world. As an author, publisher, and contributing editor, she appears on television programs, radio shows, and in newspapers and magazines.

Editor’s Note: These lists could probably be updated daily. She does a great job of giving explanations and definitions for acronymns and where they came from.

Here’s a samle -    Click here to see Way More!

1. AEAP – As Early As Possible
2. ALAP – As Late As Possible
3. AWGTHTGTTA – Are We Going To Have To Go Through This Again
4. B4YKI – Before You Know It
5. BRB – Be Right Back
6. BRT – Be Right There
7. CWYL – Chat With You Later
8. C-P – Sleepy
9. CYT – See You Tomorrow
10. E123 – Easy as One, Two, Three

by iKeepSafe & MySpace.com

A comprehensive interactive guide including: Social Networking 101, an overview of Web 2.0, tips of profile creation and protection, how to report content and contact abuses, and how to get ParentCare software.

Kids love the social-networking web site MySpace.com. But far too often, their profiles disclose too much personal information. Click here to see if you can spot 10 safety problems in the sample MySpace page. You may have to scroll down to view all of the safety issues. Then, see below the profile to see if you are correct! Click on the image to enlarge.