Maya

Maya
Cyber Defender & Databank Supervisor

Because of her unquenchable thirst for knowledge, Maya started out as a librarian. While she loved her job, she wanted to do more to help protect people.

Since Cyber Villains such as Ms. Information and Elvirus can corrupt websites and the information on them, Maya teaches people to protect themselves by using caution when visiting websites and avoiding sites that are not trustworthy.

Favorite Quote:

Give me a fish and I eat for a day. Teach me to fish and I eat for a lifetime
- Chinese Proverb

Favorite Food:

Anything chocolate

Interests:

Browsing bookstores, baking

March 16, 2010

Cyber Terminology: What is a Peer to Peer Network?

A peer-to-peer (p2p) network allows computer users to share everything from files to network bandwidth with one another. Most often, p2p networks are used to download files over the Internet. In order to do this, users must first download an application that connects them to other users. Once this is done, the user only has to search for the file he or she wants and, if it is found, can begin downloading it right away.

Sounds great, right? Well, in many ways, it is! With the many dangers of the Internet, however, it can also be risky. Joining a p2p network lets everyone else on that network access all the files on your computer. Also, this opens up an easy way to infect your computer with nasty malware. Because many programs don’t allow their users to have a firewall in place when the program is in use, it is important to keep your antivirus software up to date! If you’re going to join a p2p network, make sure you scan everything before you open it!

posted by Maya
topic: Cyber Terminology

February 22, 2010

Cyber Terminology: What is an Internet Forum?

An Internet forum is a place on a Web site where people can meet and have online discussions. Usually these forums have several themes that are organized in different discussion areas. These different discussions are known as threads.

For example, say you were a huge music fan. If you went to an Internet forum for music (after getting permission, of course), you might find a bunch of different threads for each musical genre (like rock, hip hop, country, etc.). In these threads, there may be even more threads for individual bands or particular songs.

If you click on one of these threads, you will see a bunch of different people discussing what they think about the thread topic. What a great way to talk with people who have the same interests…as long as you’re safe!

If you ever join an Internet forum, make sure you never give out any personal information. Like anything else with the Internet, it can be a lot of fun if you’re careful! If anyone writes anything that makes you uncomfortable or tries to meet with you in person, make sure to report them to the forum’s administrator and tell a trusted adult.

posted by Maya
topic: Cyber Terminology

January 19, 2010

Using the Web: Language Sites

Konichiwa! ˇHola! Marhaba! Hello!

Here are some great Web sites to help us communicate with people who don't share our language:

posted by Maya
topic: Using the Web

January 13, 2010

Cyber Terminology: What is a Web Server?

Web servers, simply put, are computers hooked up to the Internet that host Web sites. When you type in a Web address into your Web browser, you are directing your computer to the Web server that hosts the site where it requests information. Along with the request, your computer also sends your IP address so that the Web server knows where to send the information. The Web server then sends the information back to your computer, and the Web site you requested pops onto your screen.

And to think, all you had to do was type a few words and press enter!

posted by Maya
topic: Cyber Terminology

December 21 2009

Using the Web: The Environment

I was talking to Trey about his holiday plans, but all he wanted to talk about was how to make everyone's celebrations green! To be honest, I never even thought about the environmental problems all the lights and fake trees cause. I feel so guilty! I need to make up for this somehow, so here are some Web sites that have some great environmental information:

posted by Maya
topic: Using the Web

December 9, 2009

Cyber Terminology: What is Browser Compatibility?

Hello, Cadets! The other day I was trying to watch a web video on albatross migration. When I clicked the link, the video just wouldn't play! I was so upset! Luckily, I always have two web browsers installed on my computer. I tried the link on the other Web site, and it worked perfectly. Weird, huh?

Not really. Although all web browsers are very similar, they each read the hypertext markup language (html) of Web sites a little differently. These small differences can mean the difference between being able to watch the majestic albatross soar across the endless ocean and, well, shouting at your computer. Not that I shouted at my computer, of course.

Anyway, try to keep two browsers up-to-date on your computer. This way, if one fails, you'll always have another option!

posted by Maya
topic: Cyber Terminology

November 22 2009

Cyber Terminology: What is a Buffer?

Have you ever started watching a video online only to have it stall out in the middle? Usually, this is because the video isn't getting data fast enough. A way to help prevent this is something called buffering. A computer buffer allows for data to be downloaded while the program plays part of the file that's already been downloaded.

Wow. That came out more complicated than I meant. OK, let's put it this way. While the program you're using is receiving information, it is also playing the information that it has already received. This way, you're able to watch your video without skips and jumps.

That might've been tough to understand too. Hmmm. Here's a weird way to think about it that might help you understand what I mean. Say you want to eat a whole pizza. You start with just one slice. While you're eating that slice, a second slice is put on your plate. When you're done with the first slice and start eating the second slice, a third slice is put on your plate. This way, you never have to stop and wait for a new slice while you're eating! Streaming pizza!

I hope that last example helps. Now if you'll excuse me, all this explaining has made me hungry.

posted by Maya
topic: Cyber Terminology