Cyberangels and head of a U.N. commission focusing on cybersafety. Meanwhile, in Playing the Future ($14, Riverhead Trade Paperbacks) author Douglas Rushkoff suggests that the rest of us can learn a lot from how today's youth handles technology.">

Cyberia

By DAVE GUSSOW

© St. Petersburg Times, published May 7, 2000

HELP FOR PARENTS: Yes, the Internet can be a scary place for children and their parents. It also can be "a place of infinite wonders and unparalleled learning opportunities," says Parry Aftab's in The Parent's Guide to Protecting Your Children in Cyberspace ($12.95, McGraw-Hill). Aftab shows you how to handle the scary parts and take advantage of the good parts. A former e-commerce lawyer, he is executive director of the online safety group Cyberangels and head of a U.N. commission focusing on cybersafety. Meanwhile, in Playing the Future ($14, Riverhead Trade Paperbacks) author Douglas Rushkoff suggests that the rest of us can learn a lot from how today's youth handles technology.

HELPING HANDS: In technology, it is often better to be seen than heard, at least when explaining how to do things. The 12 books of The Essential Computers Series from DK Publishing include screen shots from computers to go along with the text, offering help in subjects ranging from building a Web site to digital photography to letters and mailing. The first books in the series were published in April; the rest are due in July. Each book is $6.95.

A GOOD SCARE: The South has a rich tradition of ghost stories and other scary folk tales, according to the introduction at the Moonlit Road. The Web site offers monthly feature stories in both text and audio versions. The site posts warnings for parents if a story isn't suitable for children.

A MATCHMAKER: Aspiring writers looking for a break may find one online. RoseDog Publishing tries to bring writers and publishers together by allowing people to post excerpts from their work free on the site (http://www.rosedog.com). The site also offers a Meet the Professionals section, where editors post sample critiques to give writers an idea of what they look for in stories.

BARGAIN HUNTING: Price-conscious book buyers can check out http://bestedeal, a site that searches the 50 largest online bookstores for best price and availability. And it promises to do it in 20 seconds or less.

-- Dave Gussow is the Time technology editor.

Cyberangels and head of a U.N. commission focusing on cybersafety. Meanwhile, in Playing the Future ($14, Riverhead Trade Paperbacks) author Douglas Rushkoff suggests that the rest of us can learn a lot from how today's youth handles technology.">

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