June 1998 - Book of the Month

Book Picture. : Web Psychos Web Psychos, Stalkers, and Pranksters : How to Protect Yourself in Cyberspace
Author: Michael A. Banks
Published: 1997
Price: Amazon.com $24.99

There are two kinds of 'net folks, those who ask questions and those who answer them.

Web Psychos is for both. It's an excellent book for people who have concerns and questions about their personal security online. Mr. Banks does an excellent job of explaining the unique privacy issues and helps demystify many of the the overbearing computer questions we see in the virtual world.

The seasoned 'net head will enjoy this book because it very simply explains the complicated issues you deal with daily. I recommend this book at my Internet meetings, to parents, and when I'm asked about cookies for the 80th time. Banks handles the security topics well with his personal style, making this an enjoyable read.

Mr. Banks was kind enough to share this assessment of his work.

I wrote this book for anyone who's ever wondered about the strange things they may have encountered on the Internet--and for those who may have been harrassed, threatened, stalked, or ripped off by any of the "Web psychos" wandering the Net. In it, I show you how to deal with those sorts of problems. The book also shows you how to avoid such problems altogether. There are also techniques for protecting your privacy, and quite a bit more.

Want to know how all those Internet scams work, and who's behind them? See Chapter 7. Is there anything to online romance? Chapter 11 (I met my fiancee online--but not before having some of the strangest dates ever). Need to get the real name--and maybe the address and phone number--behind an E-mail address? Chapters 4 & 8. Can Web pages harm you? Chapter 6. Is it possible for someone to see literally everything you type when you're connected? That's in the book, along with answers to hundreds of other questions you may have about privacy, safety, commerce, crime, and personal security on the Internet. know about.

I also share interesting anecdotes involving some of the stranger people I've encountered in cyberspace. I think you'll enjoy reading this book as much as I enjoyed writing it--and living it. Whether you're a victim, want to avoid being one, or just wish you knew the ins and outs of the online world better, this book has something for you.

--Michael A. Banks

Book of the Month are texts reviewed by the Virtual Librarian concerning network and information security. In most cases the V.L. has had the opportunity to speak with the authors and solicit reviews for their own books. Recommendations are always welcome.

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