Viruses, African Kings, and Trips to Disney World, Oh My!

     Microsoft won't send you to Disney World, there isn't any multi- millionaire African king, and 90% of viruses are nothing more than a hoax.  Oh, and by the way, I understand Craig Sherbold has asked people to STOP sending him get well cards from around the world because he already broke the record years ago.  The majority of virus warnings, freebies, and cries for help are really hoaxes, urban legends, and scams.  In fact, probably 90 to 95% of those kinds of e-mails are misinformation.  Some of the deals and heart felt stories are so old, and have been passed around for so many years, that the information is no longer valid.  But how do you know when you have received  an important warning, or when you've been had?

     Your School Technology Coordinator, or other FCPS persons of authority, will inform you when there is a danger of a virus or worm in our school district.  FCPS has top-notch network administrators, technicians, STCs, and excellent virus protection, so if there really is something to worry about you will PROBABLY hear it from your STC .  If you get e-mail warnings from others, it probably doesn't apply to our system or is a hoax.  DO NOT FORWARD THOSE E-MAILS!  If you really think it might be important to forward warnings, talk to your STC, or check on reputable sites that provide FREE information about viruses and hoaxes.  Some excellent FREE resources to check on viruses include:

Symantic (Norton's Anti Virus)
VIRUS ENCYCLOPEDIA
http://www.symantec.com/avcenter/vinfodb.html

VIRUS HOAXES
http://www.symantec.com/avcenter/hoax.html

McAFEE VIRUS INFORMATION
http://www.mcafee.com/anti-virus/default.asp

     Before you send money to the wife of the African king or forward hoaxes, be sure to visit some of these sites:

URBAN LEGEND COMBAT KIT:
http://www.netsquirrel.com/combatkit/

URBAN LEGENDS AND FOLKLORE:  
http://urbanlegends.miningco.com/library/blhoax.htm

URBAN LEGEND REFERENCE PAGES
http://www.snopes.com/index.htm

Be educated, be smart, be a part of the solution, and not a part of the problem.  DO NOT FORWARD THOSE WARNING E-MAILS AND STORIES UNTIL YOU HAVE RESEARCHED THE SUBJECT AND KNOW IT TO BE TRUE!

Animation Factory: http://www.animfactory.com/

Web Sites of the Week

Fall and Halloween Links   
http://teach.fcps.net/trt4/Fall.Halloween.htm

ALL ELEMENTARY:  Includes both sites for students and teachers.  The links for students are sorted by grade levels. The buttons for Primary activities are large and include pictures to make it easier for young and ESL students.  Many thanks to Cathy Meccarello (Yates) for sharing the idea of making special picture buttons for the little ones!

award certificate generator
http://www.billybear4kids.com/show/awards/certificates.html

ALL ELEMENTARY:  Colorful award certificates you can print for your students.  Several styles of certificates are available.  Many thanks to Jan Ross (Dixie) for sharing this site!

ATTENTION
4TH GRADE TEACHERS

     Let portfolio time be easier for you this year!  November and December are great months for some keyboarding review, and good keyboarding skills help so much during portfolios.  If you would like ideas for activities, or you would like me to help. just let me know!