Note: URL is the acronym for Uniform Resource Locator. It is an address to a resource on the Internet. An example of a URL is: http://www.mariancatechist.org

1. Be certain you have anti-virus software installed on your computer before you connect to the Internet. This preventative measure is an absolute necessity to keep from downloading a computer virus maliciously designed to cause trouble in your computer system.

2. Learn to use search engines. You can find almost anything on the Internet, but only if you know how to search for it. When using a new search engine, click on its “help” section for instructions about entering searchable keywords. The process varies from engine to engine.

3. If you download a file, make a note of where you are storing it on your computer so you are able to find it later.

4. Some web sites require you to register before you can reach the information you seek. Keep a record of your user id and password along with the URL so you are able to return to the site in the future.

5. If you discover information you plan to use at a later date, it is wise to save the information on your computer. Many smaller web sites become inactive due to financial or personnel constraints. A writing by one of the Doctors of the Church may be online today, but next week the funding to support the sponsoring web site may no longer be available.

6. Ask for the email address of conference speakers so that you are able to contact them if questions arise later.

7. Search for resources online to keep your studies as economical as possible. Many Catholic books and documents are available for use online at no cost.

8. Preview books and magazines online before you purchase. Locate a publication by entering its title into a search engine. Often online reviews will have the table of contents, select pages or whole chapters to browse before you decide to buy. Magazines often feature a recent issue on their web site.

9. Do not enter personal information such as credit card numbers or banking account numbers on a web site unless it is a secure site. A secure site will have either “https” in the URL or, the padlock graphic at the bottom of your browser will be closed. An unsecure site will have an open padlock. Most web sites have a phone number you can call to place an order, instead.

10. Never send credit card or bank account numbers in an email. There is a remote possibility that an email could be inadvertently downloaded to another’s computer. If you want to place an order, request by email that the company provide you with a web site address or a phone number to do so.

We pray and reach out to those who pray for loved ones who are lapsed Catholics, fallen-away Catholics, prodigal Catholics, non-practicing Catholics, or whatever name is used for those who no longer attend Mass and receive the Sacraments.