Lois Smith presented excellent information about shopping on-line this week. Here are some of the tips she shared.

Can't find an item in your local stores? Have you tried to find an item online? Want a Spiderman collectible lunch box? Or want a Barbie Doll—with patent pending? Bet you could find one at an online auction site! Or how about some hot new clothing item at a discount? Look online! Online auction sites and shopping are extremely popular. They help you locate hard to find items and save money in the process. You can also comparison shop different venders, too. While online, you can book a hotel, send flowers and even order groceries!

Online shopping does have a downside. It is always risky! The greatest risk is protecting private information because criminals are constantly monitoring people's online shopping habits to create new ways to deceive them.

Here are some potential benefits:

· Shopping from the comfort of your own home

· Access to shops 24 hours a day

· Potential for saving money

· Larger selection

Negatives would include:

· No storefront to return items or receive customer satisfaction.

· Private information is revealed online.

· Not able to "see" or "feel" the item in real life.

· Fakes or frauds online.

· Constant need to be vigilant.

Take Steps to minimize your risks:

Online shopping can never be guaranteed to be safe and without risk. However, it is possible to take protective measures:

· Use a secure browser.

· Know who you are dealing with by confirming the online seller's physical address, phone number. Anyone can set up shopping online.

· Before purchasing, evaluate how the company secures your financial and personal information.

· Look for an online privacy policy and read it.

· Keep your password(s) private.

· Do not give up any "optional" personal information.

· Pay by credit card.

· Keep a record of the transaction.

· Know what your purchases will cost, including shipping and other fees. Check out the refund policy.

Remember—Anytime you shop online, you are putting your personal information at risk.

Shop with caution online!

Photo Editing Class to be Offered

Photo Editing for Beginners is the latest computer education class offered by Franklin County Extension. The class is set for Monday, November 24, at the Extension Building west of Benton. The class will be offered twice -- from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. and again from 6 to 8 p.m. -- to accommodate schedules of area residents. Participants need only attend one session.

This series is designed for beginners who know how to take pictures with their digital camera but want to learn how to use their computer to improve those digital photos. Participants will use a free software program called Picasa to work with photos. And, one lucky person at each session will even win a flash drive.

Richard Fitts, of Razor Consulting, will be the instructor. Computers will be available so that participants can immediately practice the skills learned.

Topics for the three-part series include the following:

- Understanding file size settings on your camera

- Connecting your camera to your computer

- Using Picasa to lighten or darken, sharpen, straighten, and fix red eye

Cost is $10 per person. Space is limited, and registration is on a first-come basis. To register, send your name, address, phone number, email address, and the time of the session you want to attend, along with check payable to U of I Extension, to Franklin County Extension, 1212 Route 14 West, Benton, IL 62812.

Advance registration is required by November 17. For more details, call 618-439-3178. Or email franklin_co@extension.uiuc.edu. If you need disability accommodations to participate, please indicate when registering.