Online Money Management
Introduction
What is Online Money Management Online Money Management is an introduction session looking at a topic of interest – money management online. The session looks at issues that may be of concern relating to safety, security, responsibility, and usability ensuring that the course provides a foundation level of knowledge. Participants of the taster session will acquire a level of knowledge that will enable them to make an informed choice to whether Online Money Management is appropriate for their needs & lifestyle. Who should organise an Online Money Management session? This toolkit can be used by anybody who wishes to organise „Online money management‟. The following organisations may wish to take this role: Agencies or organisations who: work with people new to digital technology work with rural communities or have isolation and transport issues use technology as a method for social inclusion focus on building social capital, family learning or support financial literacy Why organise an Online Money Management taster session? Online money management supports the first steps to digital inclusion based on a topic of interest. The session is developed around access to services, information and advice with ICT as the tool to enable this. The use of computers and the Internet are not the only methods utilised to enable the course, but form one of a number of systems to ensure that discussion amongst the group is encouraged. The course encourages an ethos of research, discuss and review. By providing Online Money Management, an organisation can either be: Supporting development of use of digital technology in their community Capacity building the community or membership of their organisation Building capacity within the organisations own staff/volunteers for advice or supporting roles Enabling vulnerable or disadvantaged communities to access additional services Developing accessible information for financial literacy
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Learning Content Online Money Management is a two hour taster session based on a theme that is of interest to many people. The session is designed to encourage new users to look at the services and facilities that are accessible online, especially important for those who are isolated, or have mobility / transport issues. A group size of maximum 12 participants is recommended and an even number is preferred due to the pair work within the session. The topics covered within Online Money Management include: • Security • UK Banking code • Types of banking • Support systems • Matching services to user needs • Comparison sites for best value
For more information please contact: Sioban Osborne Jacquie Linton Tel: 07890 167 152 Tel: 01793 882800 Email: sioban.osborne@citizensonline.org.uk Email: jacquie.linton@citizensonline.org.uk
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Contents
Introduction .............................................................................................................................. 2 Contents .................................................................................................................................. 4 Online Money Management Lesson Plan ................................................................................ 5 Online Money Management – Handout 1: 8 Points to Protection .......................................... 13 Online Money Management – Handout 2: Webquest ............................................................ 14 Online Money Management – Useful website list .................................................................. 16 Jargon Buster ........................................................................................................................ 18 Tutor Resource 1: Progression Routes .................................................................................. 24 Tutor Resource 2: Evaluation Form ....................................................................................... 25
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Online Money Management Lesson Plan
Course – Online Money Management Introduction session – beginner level Venue Date: Start time Duration: 120 minutes Aims To introduce the learners to financial resources and services available on the Internet. To explore online finance to ascertain suitability and usability for individuals, and resources available to develop knowledgebase on financial matters. Learning Outcomes: By the end of the session learners will be able to: Recognise the pros and cons of online money management and its suitability matched to individual need. Use the internet as a resource to help build on financial knowledgebase and information gathering. Use comparative sites to analyse options and interrogate information.
Time (mins) 5 12
Topic Learning Outcomes Overview and initial discussion point.
Activity Introduce the learning Outcomes for the day Overview on Online money management: Definition Software requirements Group Discussion: Exploring participants‟ current knowledge. Security pros and cons UK Banking Code Encrypted information Working in pairs, discuss and research online what else could you do to protect yourself, your information and your computer? Then feedback to the group Protect yourself Top tips for you and your computer
Resources
Additional information
Tutor Support Notes
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Evaluate real and perceived security risks of Online money management. Exploring other proactive remedies to online security. Feedback from discussion Processes for protecting your information, computer and yourself
Tutor Support Notes
Resource list of useful websites
Tutor Support Notes
Eight points to protection handout.
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Types of Online money management Refreshment Break Matchmaking: Services to People Exploring comparative websites, evaluating the information & developing queries. Supporting systems and review of information Online bank demo
Convenience & back-up systems Who is out there & types of internet banking Overview to identifying and evaluating individual needs Working in pairs, find some comparison charts for credit cards. For an overview try www.moneysavingexpert.com/cgibin/viewnews.cgi?newsid1103212597,43859, Customer service Complementary services Quick recap Working in pairs, take a tour through the sections relating to transferring funds and paying bills. How user friendly is the system? Does it follow a clear logic to manage an account? Feedback experience and thoughts to the group. A relevant fact finding quest to develop research processes and retrieve applicable information. Working in pairs the aim is to answer all the questions posed in the quest to deepen understanding and knowledge of a specified financial topic. Pairs share with group information obtained from Webquest. Draw together any interesting learning points and discuss local progression routes and public access points with participants. For assistance on this see appendix 1.Distribute the evaluation forms.
Tutor Support Notes Tutor Support Notes Tutor Support Notes & Resource list.
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Tutor support notes Tutor Support Notes
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Webquest
Webquest sheet
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Webquest feedback to group Conclusion and Progression
Tutor Support Notes Tutor Support Notes
Progression routes sheet (if prepared) & Evaluation Forms
Tutor Evaluation:
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Introduction to Online Money Management Learning Outcomes. (5 mins) Activity: Introduce the learning Outcomes for the day. Tutor notes: Explain the learning outcomes for the day. Recognise the pros and cons of online services and their suitability matched to individual need. Use the internet as a resource to help build on financial knowledgebase and information gathering. Use comparative sites to analyse options and question information. This session focuses on general security and online services, in particular Internet banking, but we also look at credit card comparisons and utilities. At no point is there a suggestion that you need any of these services. It is fundamentally an introduction to services and information availability online, and an opportunity to get your head round what is currently „out there‟ digitally. The course aims to provide a knowledge base for individuals to make informed decisions on what they need.
Overview and initial discussion point. (5 mins) Activity: Introduction talk using tutor notes. Tutor notes Internet banking is a term used for performing transactions, payments etc. over the Internet through a bank's secure website. Internet banking can be very useful, especially for banking outside standard bank hours and banking from anywhere where internet access is available. In most cases a web browser is utilised and any normal Internet connection is suitable. No special software or hardware is usually needed. The number of customers who choose Internet services as the preferred method of dealing with their finances is growing rapidly due to the clear improvement in convenience it offers, including such features as electronic bill payment. There are also more and more banks that operate exclusively online. What's great about Internet services? They never close, you never have to queue and they're good value. Almost every Internet bank account offers a better deal than your local bank can offer. So why don‟t we all have an online account? Well, they are great value, but you should be aware of some warnings before you rush in- specifically in relation to customer service and security.
Initial discussion point. (7 mins) Activity: Group discussion, using questions in tutor notes to guide conversation. Tutor notes: Group discussion – does anyone use Internet banking? What are the benefits that you appreciate/reasons you choose Internet banking? What are the reasons you do not bank online? Do you have any concerns about Internet banking?
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Real and perceived security risks (8 mins) Activity: Introduction talk on security, using tutor notes. Tutor notes: Security is often the main detraction and concern in regards to online money management. In 2001 the Financial Services Authority, the UK banking watchdog, felt compelled to issue a directive to banks to strengthen their security and they seem to have done just that. Not that any bank would claim it was 100% secure. They may think they are, but in the strange world of Internet security actually saying your bank is impregnable is as good as asking every hacker to attempt a „break in‟. UK Banking Code Back in the real world there are guarantees in place to protect costumers which banks abide by. The UK Banking Code, states that anyone losing money as a result of fraud will have their money completely refunded. This effectively means that even if your bank isn‟t 100% secure your money is 100% safe. There are a couple of requirements here. First, you can‟t have knowingly participated in the fraud. (For instance, you can‟t have handed over your details to crooks with a view to helping them empty your account.) Secondly, you can‟t have been 'grossly negligent' - a clause that covers the banks against customer foolishness. An example of this would be writing your pin number on the back of your bank/credit card. It‟s advisable to have „security software‟ on your system to safeguard your information; if you use a communal computer check with the owner/administrator that security software is regularly updated. Getting your money back may be a relief, but losing it in the first place can cause problems with your short-term finances. It can mean spending weeks without any cash while you wait for your bank to work out where the money has gone and who is at fault. In fairness, the banks have been doing their bit. The security of most internet banks has improved as has their reliability. Most banks now require users to input random numbers from pass codes, making things more difficult for would-be hackers. All internet banking sites are encrypted, which means that all the information you send is scrambled when it leaves your computer and then decoded at the bank's end. Today's technology offers sophisticated 128-bit encryption, which encodes data before it is sent. So even if a hacker manages to grab some of the data, the information should be unreadable and would take years to decipher.
Exploring/researching proactive security resources/methodologies (10 mins) Activity: working in pairs, group research security options, website resource list is useful. Tutor notes: Working in pairs on the internet, what else could you do to protect yourself, your information and your computer? Each pair needs to find an additional protection strategy from ensuring that „anti-virus software‟ is regularly updated to utilising spam filters on email. Even having a user policy of not opening mail from unknown recipients is a security process. Get each pair to feedback to the group and, time permitting; explain why they chose their suggestion.
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8 Points to protection (5 mins) Activity: Handout the protection sheet to participants. Read through and expand on any points necessary. Participants can make notes on the sheets if needed. Tutor notes: The weak points in internet bank security are often you and your computer. Which means you should take some steps to protect yourself. The handout (8 Points to Protection) is an eight point list provided to help protect yourself, your computer and your information.
Types of Online money management. (5 mins) Activity: Brief introduction talk explaining the two types of internet banking, using tutor notes Tutor notes: Convenience Online money management has many advantages over the traditional branch network, but it is not without its faults. Needless to say there have been several occasions when technical glitches have shut down computer systems. It's a reason why the experts admit that Internet banking works best in conjunction with other forms of communications, such as the telephone. Indeed, all the major high street names now give branch customers access - free of charge - to their own online and telephone operations. Who is out there? In the past five years, high street banks have begun to offer internet banking, and plenty more internet-only banks have sprung up. Sometimes they just offer convenience, but some can give you deals you won‟t find in branches. „Internet banking‟ refers confusingly to two different experiences. 1. A type of bank found only online. These offer a selection of banking services, usually not as broad as a high street bank, but also offer innovative products which use technology to cut costs or add convenience to you the customer. For example, one feature of many internet banking outfits is offsetting- using the interest from savings in one account to offset borrowing on another account. Many of these internet banks have been bought by ordinary banks anyway- for example Intelligent Finance (IF) is owned by the Halifax. There is a downside to this. You are unlikely to have a branch, which means either having to post cheques to your bank or using a partner bank. 2. Online money management offered by most ordinary high street banks as part of their service. It‟s highly unlikely that you picked your bank because of its internet banking facilities, but you should ask about their internet security and also how far back you can check statements online, for example: The Co-operative has good security and a very flexible system for managing your account; repeat statements usually cost up to £10, so signing up for internet banking can save you money - and don‟t forget by reducing „traffic‟ in branches, you‟re saving them money too. Look for internet-only offers (even from high street banks) - often you‟ll be offered rates online that aren‟t publicised elsewhere. The upside of this type of internet banking is the ability to pay in cheques at branch locations and the option to talk to a person face-to-face.
Refreshment Break (10 mins)
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Matchmaking: services to people. (5 mins) Activity: Overview talk from tutor notes, followed by practical session in pairs with comparative sites. Tutor notes: What’s right for you? Finding the right bank means working out which bank gives you a good return on your money - whether that be interest on your savings or a cheap loan rate if you‟re borrowing. It also means the bank which provides the full range of services you‟ll need, and which rewards you for your loyalty in using them. Personal banking is about choices- where to save, invest, borrow, or where simply to put your monthly income. Even if you do nothing but pay in your salary, there is a massive difference in interest rates between best and worst performing banks. It used to be that a bank was a building on the high street that closed at 5:00 pm. These days that‟s no longer necessarily the case. Of course you can still use a high street bankand there are good reasons to do so, but you need to consider two other types of bank as well. Many internet banks offer proper current accounts, and because their costs are lower, they can give you a better rate of interest on your money. If you don‟t like internet banking, perhaps try telephone banking, which can offer additional versatile products too. One thing to consider though, not all internet banks offer current accounts, and some that do may not offer the breadth of other services your high street bank can. You see, everyone needs to make money somewhere; since day-to-day banking is usually free of charge, some internet banks won‟t do it. Your high street bank can offer you free banking because they‟ll make a profit in other places- investments or loans for example. So don‟t just consider the interest rate on your current balance - ask yourself what overall services you need: Loans? A cash card? Instant access to money? Other services such as a credit card or an ISA (Individual Savings Account). before deciding which bank or banks to plump for. Welcome, however, to a brave new world of personal banking; where a far larger number of companies are only too glad to compete for your business - and for a much bigger range of products. Today you probably have a credit card; you might want a loan for a car, and with higher personal incomes, perhaps savings accounts and investments too. We bank on the high street, the internet, and by phone; and we use different companies for different jobs - you might borrow from a different company than the one you have a bank account with. So the ethos of clever personal banking is to shop around- and never take “No” as the final answer - if you can‟t get the savings, mortgage, credit card or insurance deal you want, chances are someone else can offer it to you. Get online and do some research - it could save you huge amounts of money for very little effort.
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Exploring comparative websites, evaluating the information & developing queries. (12 mins) aka Knowledge is Power Activity: Short practical session using comparative websites. Working in pairs, use the resource list to try comparison sites. Tutor notes: Working in pairs, find some comparison charts for Credit Cards. What are the services that you would want? Do you pay off in full every month and want a reward card, or do you need low interest rates to allow for late/delayed repayments? Think about your spending habits and see what cards are available that match yours.
Supporting systems/mechanisms and alternatives. (5 mins) Activity: Short talk using tutor notes. Tutor notes: Customer what? The internet money management revolution seems terribly exciting. An internet bank account invariably offers a great rate of interest on your current account balance, which your high street bank doesn‟t. There are reasons to choose both types of banking, and many people have high street account and online accounts. But before you rush to open an online account, let‟s look at the drawbacks. Firstly, when things go wrong, you want somebody to talk to. Your branch bank gives you lower interest because it has to employ real people to look after you. You ought to know your bank manager, and he or she is there to assist you. Before signing up to an online bank, ring their customer service number just to see how long it takes them to answer the phone. There is a great difference in customer service between banks. Then consider fraud. It‟s no good saying it won‟t happen to you - it might. Your bank offers an anti fraud guarantee but remember the burden of proof is on you, and it can be a drawn out process to get compensation. These aren‟t reasons to be put off an internet bank account, just make sure you know the pros and cons to choose what is right for you.
Online demonstration of personal internet banking account. (14 mins) Activity: Short practical exploration of demonstration site in pairs. Tutor notes: The demonstration is at the following URL: www.cooperativebank.co.uk/servlet/Satellite?c=Page&cid=1170748474538&pagename=C B/Page/tplStandard Working in pairs, (for approximately 10 minutes) take the opportunity to tour through the sections, including those relating to transferring funds and paying bills. How user friendly is the system? Does it follow a clear logic to manage an account? Is the navigation system consistent? As a group, feedback opinions formed through the exploration of the demonstration site. Is there a general consensus, or differing opinions?
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Webquest. (24 mins) Activity: Give Online Money Management – Handout 2: Webquest to participants. Working in pairs and using the resources listed, participants need to find the answers to the questions on the webquest sheet. Tutor notes: Exploring a topic that is relevant to participants. Utilities bills are a factor of modern day life. This does not mean we don‟t have a choice over who we use and how we pay. Using the webquest as a guide, participants find out about different utility companies and some of the tariffs and charges that make up their bills. Four websites are listed with the webquest and contain all the answers to the questions provided. If the pairs wish to extend their search this is fine. Any additional information they research can be shared with the group during the feedback section.
Webquest feedback to group. (5 mins) Activity: Gather the participants together to feedback their responses to the questions on the Webquest sheet. Tutor notes: The webquest contains seven questions and each pair should feedback on at least one question. Any pertinent additional information found along the way can be shared with the group.
Conclusion and Progression. (8 mins) Activity: Short talk using notes followed by handout of progression routes sheet. Tutors notes: Draw together any interesting learning points from the session highlighting: 1. Security on the computer you are using 2. Security on the site you are using (padlock and https) 3. Use comparison sites and reviews to choose the service that matches your needs. 4. Convenient and flexible, more control over day-to-day finances. Progression: it is important for the participants to be able to continue learning and practising the skills they have learnt today. This could be through either formal or informal training, or being able to use public access points. Information about local access points for the Internet and training opportunities should be provided in the form of a handout to take away. The Tutor resource 2: Evaluation Form also provides an option to gather details of those wishing to continue with further learning opportunities. Tutor resource 1: Progression routes will assist you in finding out what is available locally to develop into a sheet for participants to take away. Evaluation. At the end of the session hand out evaluation forms, these will help you to make sure that the content, timing, handouts, delivery and space are appropriate to the groups you work with.
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Online Money Management – Handout 1: 8 Points to Protection
Use this 8 point protection plan to protect yourself, your family and your computer. Protect yourself by making sure you have strong passwords. Note the plural; one password does not fit all. If you only use one password, anyone who has access to it, has access to everything you use online. If you are one of the supposed 40% who use „password‟ as your password, stop now. We will be looking at strong passwords later in the session. Make sure that any site that requires you to enter personal details is secure. You can check that a site is encrypted by looking at the address. If the address starts with https (rather than http), or contains a padlock at the lower right-hand of the status bar, then you are safe. Internet Cafes and other public access areas are more likely to have viruses on their computers. It is not recommended to log on to sites which contain sensitive personal information, such as Internet banking, at these venues. If you do need to, then before finishing your session go to: start menu, control panel, internet options, general. Here you can delete cookies & temporary internet files and clear your history. Don‟t give out personal details via email. Email is not a secure system for this kind of communication. Be very suspicious of any company that would ask you to confirm personal information via email. Leading on from the previous point, be wary of a scam called “phishing”. This is where fraudsters set up fake (but quite realistic) banking sites and send emails to people asking them to log on and confirm their details. If you have any doubts then contact your bank directly and ask them to verify an email you have received. Your bank will never send you an e-mail asking you to confirm your details, and you should never respond to an unsolicited e-mail purporting to be from your bank. Your bank will establish a secure, encrypted method of communicating with you from behind the protection of your log-in. Protect your computer; ensure you install anti-virus software on your system. This combined with a firewall will help to safeguard your computer. Don‟t forget to regularly update the anti-virus software; many have automatic features to do this. Keep your web browser up to date with the latest version. Free updates are available for most browsers including Window‟s Explorer, Netscape and Mozilla Firefox. Updated versions protect against new viruses and threats. Protect your family from spam by creating a family email address that can be used for competitions and sign-ups. This way, if the email address is sold/passed on then the spam (unsolicited emails) will go to an adult to be dealt with and deleted. Children do not need to be receiving dubious emails that could contain offensive and provocative material.
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Online Money Management – Handout 2: Webquest
Utility Bills Everyone pays for the utilities that they use, from water and electric to gas and telephone. The costs of these facilities are ever increasing, with energy costs soaring. Taking time to review how much your utilities are costing, and if you can get a better deal elsewhere, can help you make substantial savings. There are various comparison sites that provide price information on the different providers that cover each geographical area. Try one or two of the sites listed below and give approximate figures to see what you could save. Comparison sites are an effective tool for getting competitive prices; try this again at a later date armed with your actual information to save money. Resources: www.uswitch.com www.thisismoney.co.uk/bills www.moneysupermarket.com/utilitiesdefault.asp http://energy.moneyexpert.com/
Questions: What is a social tariff? (gas and electric) What is a standing charge? (gas and electric) Name 3 companies that provide gas or electric to your area. Is it free to switch to a water meter? Can I change my water supplier? Find 2 ways to reduce water consumption in your home.
Note: Please feel free to look at websites other than those listed in the resources. Additional information found can be shared with the group.
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Webquest Answers Social tariffs Social tariffs are special plans aimed at helping customers who could be considered vulnerable or disadvantaged. Who should choose this option? Social tariffs are designed to help users who are considered vulnerable, for example those who spend over 10% of their income on energy bills, such as the fuel poor. Such tariffs can include helping those on prepayment meters, predominantly low income families, by using the savings made by Direct Debit customers to keep the costs down for pre-payment customers. The elderly are often vulnerable to rising energy costs and plans for those aged 60 or over can offer discounts, cold weather rebates and special offers. Standing Charge A standing charge is a fixed amount you pay for every day you are connected to a gas or electricity supplier. You also have to pay for the gas and electricity you actually use. If you chose not to have a standing charge, you will pay two different rates for the gas or electricity you use. You will pay a higher price for a given number of units and once you have used this number, the price reduces. For example, with gas, you might pay 2.5 pence per unit for the first 1400 units used, and 1.5 pence for each unit used over and above the first 1400. Who should choose this option? No standing charge is usually a cheaper option for consumers who only use a small amount of gas or electricity. As you are only paying for the gas or electricity you use, you will pay less than the standing charge and usage. Is it free to switch to a water meter? Most households in England, Wales and Scotland are entitled to switch to a meter on request free of charge Can I change my water supplier? Unlike the gas and electricity industries, privatisation hasn't resulted in direct competition between water suppliers, so you cannot change your sewerage and water supplier. Ways to reduce water consumption in your home. Water hippos – go in toilet cistern Water butt – water for the garden and plants Shower when possible instead of bath Turn off tap when brushing teeth
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Online money management – Useful website list
www.adviceguide.org.uk The Citizens Advice Bureau helps people resolve their legal, money and other problems by providing free, independent and confidential advice, and by influencing policymakers. For online CAB information and advice, including frequently asked questions in seven languages and factsheets to download, visit the website. www.bank.org.uk Provides three-part reviews on all the major banks. Each review consists of a general overview of the bank, a look at their products and services, and finally their Internet banking service is examined. www.bankingcode.org.uk The Banking Code Standards Board. The mission of the BCSB is to ensure that the Banking Code and the Business Banking Code deliver their promises of fair dealing and standards of good banking practice to the customers of UK banks and building societies. www.banksafeonline.org.uk Bank Safe Online, the UK‟s industry initiative to help banking users stay safe online. Bank Safe Online sets out simple steps you can take to help keep safe online. The site also provides you with updates on the latest scams, and enables you to report any suspicious emails or websites direct. www.direct.gov.uk Directgov is the place to turn to for the latest and widest range of public service information. From booking a driving test, renewing your passport, searching for jobs, and lots more about learning, employment, money and entitlements, it makes it easier for you to find what you want from government. www.moneymadeclear.fsa.gov.uk/ The Financial Services Authority, regulating financial services and protecting your rights. If you're shopping around for financial products then the FSA‟s comparative tables could help: www.fsa.gov.uk/tables
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www.moneyfacts.co.uk
Moneyfacts provides up-to-date and independent personal finance information covering mortgages, savings, banking, cards, loans, overdrafts, annuities, offshore savings, investments, life assurance and pensions.
www.moneysavingexpert.com/
A non-profit and impartial website by the UK's only money saving expert and journalist - Martin Lewis. The site contains information, advice, forums and reviews for anyone looking to save money.
www.moneysupermarket.com/
Moneysupermarket.com was launched in December 1999 and its purpose in life is to make it easy for you to compare personal finance products and services in the market so that you can:
find the best and most competitively priced product for your needs;
buy it online; and, save money.
www.thisismoney.co.uk
This is Money, your guide to personal finance and investing. Covering stock market, loans, insurance, banking, credit cards, pensions, stock market, tax advice, mortgages, and mortgage advice.
www.uswitch.com
uSwitch.com is a free, impartial online and phone based comparison and switching service that helps customers compare prices on a range of services including gas, electricity, home phone, broadband providers and personal finance products. Their aim is to help customers take advantage of the best prices and services on offer from suppliers.
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Jargon Buster Account – When you sign up with an Internet Service Provider (ISP) and pay a monthly fee, you establish an "account" and receive an account name (or a username) as well as a password. This information allows you to access the Internet and your e-mail account when you dial the telephone number provided by the ISP. Account is a common term, and you can easily have more than one online account. Computer – A device that runs programs for displaying and manipulating text, graphics, symbols, audio, video, and numbers. A computer accepts information in the form of digital data. Complex computers also include the means for storing data (including software programs). Connection – The line of communication between your computer (or any other device) and the Internet. Domain name – the textual form of the Internet address - for example, if you have an account with Citizensonline, and your address is jo.bloggs@citizensonline.org.uk, your domain name is citizensonline.org.uk. (i.e. it's the bit after the @ sign) Download – transfer files or messages from a distant computer to your own computer there are several different methods for downloading files, most of which check the file as it is being copied to ensure no information is destroyed or damaged during the process – some only let you download one file at a time – others let you type in the names of several files at once, which are then automatically downloaded. Email – electronic mail, sending messages using any connection of computers, usually by the Internet.
Email Address - a unique description of the 'place' to which messages are sent if they are for a particular person or group, e.g. jo.bloggs@citizensonline.org.uk Encryption – the manipulation of a „segment‟ of data in order to prevent any but the intended recipient reading that data.
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Firewall – a security system to restrict access to certain computers, areas or information a firewall is normally a computer or router that is put between a local network and an external network such as the Internet - it will normally enable all users on the inside to connect to the outside, but not the other way around. Forum – An online community where users read and post topics of common interest. FAQ’s - Frequently Asked Questions, many FAQ‟s can be found on the Internet providing a list of answers to the most common questions to help new users. ISP – Internet Service Provider is a company that provides access to the Internet to individuals or companies. ISPs provide local dial-up access from your personal computer to their computer network and their network connects you to the Internet. Keywords – words typed into search engines as search terms. Some filtering programs will not allow the use of any keywords which are on their list of banned words. The inclusion of keyword lists allows you to include 'words' such as your phone number or credit card numbers, so that their use can be monitored or blocked. Logger virus – Just as the name suggests if a program logs your every keystroke, it is considered a key logger. They are designed to steal your passwords and other sensitive information. There are two types of key loggers. One sends the logs to the author via email. Another one is stored in your hard drive. The author however would need the access to your computer in order to view the log. The second program can be installed on public computers, so beware and do not perform any sensitive procedures in public. Security software protects against these viruses. Login – connecting to a computer involves typing a user name and a password before access is given.
Modem a device which takes a serial stream of computer data and converts it into audible tones that can be transmitted down a telephone line that was originally design for carrying voice information - it enables two computers to exchange data at a distance via the telephone system.
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Network – The term actually has many different meanings depending on the person, company, or context in which it is being used. Basically, it is a collection of two or more computers and connected equipment that are linked together with communications equipment. Once connected, each part of the network can share the software, hardware, and information contained in the other parts Offline – when your computer is not connected to a host system or the Internet, you are offline. Online – when your computer is connected to the internet (an online service, bulletinboard system or public-access site). Online Community – Primarily, these are areas on the Internet that cater to people's common interests. They are virtual in the sense that they exist in cyberspace and do not take up physical space. Communities are formed on Web sites, discussion groups, newsgroups, and even in chat rooms, and there are several popular gaming communities online.The Internet represents an extraordinary opportunity to converse with people all over the world; online communities provide a framework in which to exchange ideas and information, build relationships, and interact. Open source – In general, open source refers to any program whose source code is made available for use or modification as users or other developers see fit. Open source software is usually developed as a public collaboration and made freely available. When programmers can read, redistribute, and modify the source code for a piece of software, the software evolves. People improve it, people adapt it, and people fix it. Password – when accessing a remote site, especially where certain services are only accessible to registered individuals, the system may require you to type in a code word or words to prove that you are who you say you are to enable access. Program – Another term for software, it is basically a list of instructions (written in a programming language) that tells a computer how to perform certain functions and tasks in a specific way. Search engine – a facility that allows you to search for keywords in databases, archives or web pages - well known ones include Alta-Vista, Excite, Google , MSN, Yahoo, etc
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Spam – Spam refers to electronic junk mail. Some people define spam even more generally as any unsolicited e-mail. In addition to being a nuisance, spam also eats up a lot of network bandwidth. Because the Internet is a public network, little can be done to prevent spam, just as it is impossible to prevent junk mail. However, the use of software filters in e-mail programs can be used to remove most spam sent through e-mail. Spyware – Any software that covertly gathers user information through the user's Internet connection without his or her knowledge, usually for advertising purposes. Spyware applications are typically bundled as a hidden component of freeware or shareware programs that can be downloaded from the Internet. Once installed, the spyware monitors user activity on the Internet and transmits that information in the background to someone else. Surf – To browse or look at information on the Web by pointing and clicking. Text message – A brief, electronic message (less than 160 characters) sent and received via a wireless network and viewed on any number of mobile or handheld devices. Users – A term that defines the online audience, it also refers to anyone who uses a computer or a person who is online. Virus – a computer virus is an application that replicates copies of itself and further spreads itself to other machines. Worm – These programs spread in a computer network and, like viruses, don‟t change files or sectors on disks. Computer Worms are viruses that reside in the active memory of a computer and duplicate themselves. They may send copies of themselves to other computers, such as through email.
EverybodyOnline/ Life skills/ Online Money Management
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Toolkit Feedback Form Online Money Managment
The EverybodyOnline Hub aims to create digital inclusion toolkits that are as relevant and up to date as possible for use within the community. If you have used the toolkit please complete the following and return to Citizens Online.
1. Date: Organisation (optional): 2. How many people attended your event? 3. How practical was the presentation of the information? (Points to consider may include pictures, language, layout, and toolkit sections.) Name (optional): Position (optional):
4. How appropriate was the information provided in this toolkit? (Your answer may include comments on relevance, interest and comprehensiveness.)
5. Which section/s did you find most useful and why?
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6. Which section/s did you find least useful and why?
7. a) Were the course materials appropriate for participants? Yes b) Did you adapt the materials to suit? Yes
If you adapted the materials please explain.
No No
8. What other topics would you like to see included in this toolkit?
9. Would you use this toolkit again?
Yes
No
10. Any other comments you think we may find helpful
Thank you for your time. Please cut and paste this document then e-mail to Citizens Online at hub@citizensonline.org.uk with the subject line ‘Feedback OLMM Toolkit’. Postal address: Citizens Online, 1 Town Square, West Swindon Centre, Tewkesbury Way, Swindon, Wiltshire. SN5 7DL.
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Tutor resource 1: Progression routes
1. Local colleges Local colleges will offer a range of ICT courses. These will include CLAIT- Computer Literacy and Information Technology ECDL – European Computer Driving Licence ITQ – Information Technology Qualification Many colleges provide or support „link into learning‟ or „learning shops‟ which are venues for learning located within communities. For more information on these qualifications go to Learndirect: www.learndirect.co.uk
2. Digital Unite Digital Unite home training is a one-to-one training service for individuals - and couples or friends - who want to learn at their own homes on their own computers. Digital Unite is the new name for the organisation Hairnet. DigitalUnite Trainers come to teach you at a time convenient to you and on topics that are of particular interest to you. You can learn whatever you like and at your own pace. For more information about DigitalUnite including trainers in your area go to www.hairnet.org or phone 0870 241 5091.
3. Learndirect LearnDirect offers distance learning, online courses, computer courses, adult courses and careers advice. Through these courses you can learn new skills. Also available online is a database of over 600,000 courses nationwide. For more information on qualifications and courses go to Learndirect www.learndirect.co.uk or www.learndirectscotland.com and click on national advice and search the national learning database or phone 0800 100 900 to speak to an advisor.
4. Libraries Many local libraries offer informal learning opportunities and drop in IT access. To find out more about these contact your local library. To find information on your local public library go to: www.dspace.dial.pipex.com/town/square/ac940/weblibs.html
5. UK online centres The are many centres across the UK that have public access to high speed Internet, which in many cases is provided free of charge. The following website www.ufi.com/ukol/ gives information on UK online centres including public library access through the Peoples Network. Go to the site and then type your postcode or town name in the top left corner and it will show you your nearest centre. UK online centres are based in a variety of settings, from community centres to colleges. Some libraries now charge so it is worth finding out whether your local library before hand is free.
EverybodyOnline/ Life skills/ Online Money Management
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Tutor resource 2: Evaluation Form
Please place a tick in the box 1 Did the sessions „live up‟ to what you had expected? Other comments: Yes No
2
Was the venue suitable? Other comments:
Yes
No
3
Do you think any part of the sessions could have been improved? Please comment:
Yes
No
4
Was there any other topic you would have liked Online money management to have covered? Please comment:
Yes
No
5
Were you happy with the materials/handouts offered during the sessions? Other comments:
Yes
No
6
Were the staff/volunteers helping in the sessions supportive enough for your needs? Other comments:
Yes
No
7
Would you be interested in attending further computer / Internet sessions? Other comments:
Yes
No
If yes to no.7, please complete your details below.
Name: _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ Address:_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _Postcode:_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ Telephone: _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ Many thanks for your time
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