Let's look back for a minute at what we have covered in the last 30 weeks or so...We looked at young people's use of computers, Internet, chat rooms, email, instant-messaging, cellphones, gaming consoles and finally social network sites...We looked deeper into protecting our young people with firewall and surf-safe products, and went through some hints and tips to stay safe. We looked at what young people should do if approached online, and finally we looked into the future, at the yawning, unregulated safety gaps associated with social networking sites.

Let me take the opportunity to thank you for all your feedback - many of you specifically found our foray into online predation by disturbed adults particularly interesting and useful - thanks again for your comments. There were many questions too - and to those who asked questions I want to remind you that I have not forgotten you, and next time, I will be going through some of the questions that have been poised, and answering them - or at least responding to them - to the best of my abilities.

Let me expand on that a little - Computers For Earthlings lives and thrives based on your feedback and on what you want to know about - What element of computing or technology do you find unfathomable? What discipline or use of computing do you want to know more about? Is there something your friends or family talk about with regards to computers about which you find yourself lost? If so, talk to me! There are a couple of ways you can contact me: email me at bob@bmg.bm, or - after MANY requests - join my Facebook group 'Computers For Earthlings Bermuda' - right now there is only ONE member, and I am lonely!!! Join me and ask questions - I guarantee a response, and your question might even make it to the RG.

So what is next in our Computers For Earthlings adventure? Well, the next big project will delve into how computers are affecting our daily lives - at work, in the bar, when making a call, when taking the ferry, when watching TV or listening to the radio, when going to the doctor, or simply buying something from the store - "Technology for everyday Bermuda" will take several months to look at different facets and aspects of every day life, right here, on your island, and explain how computers and technology are being used to deliver your quality of life. It is an exciting project, and I have already recruited some key people in some key organisations and operations around us to help me...

But next time, a question and answer session - some questions related to our previous topic - Digital Kids - others are less connected but still very relevant...

Bob Mellor is a senior business technologist with more than 20 years experience in the IT industry. He is accredited by the British Computer Society as a Chartered IT Professional, and currently Technology Consulting Manager at Bermuda Microsystems Group. He can be contacted on bob@bmg.bm His views here do not reflect those of The Royal Gazette or Bermuda Microsystems Group, and are based on his personal experiences and knowledge.