This tutorial is based on a NYTimes online article written by By SARAH PEREZ of ReadWriteWeb. It describes how you can make your Facebook account safer and more private.

1. 5 easy steps to stay safe (and private!) on Facebook Based on the article by SARAH PEREZ of ReadWriteWeb

2. work family acquaintances a relationship less intimate than friendship Those 3 main categories will separate out the groups of ‘friends’ who you may want to hide some information from Step 1: Make friends lists

3. 1- Click on ‘Friends’ at the top of the Facebook homepage 2- in the left-hand column, click on ‘Friends’ again under the ‘Lists’ section

4. 1- Click on ‘Create New List’ 2- type in the name of your list 3- select the members of your list by clicking on the icon/ name of the member ; you can de-select by clicking on the name/icon again 4- Click on ‘Create List’ to save your new List

5. Step 2: Who can see what on your profile At the top right of your Facebook homepage, hover your mouse over ‘Settings’ and click on ‘Privacy Settings’

6. Each 4 sections allow you to decide who has access to what. Click on ‘Profile’

7. Underneath each section on this page (basic info, personal info, status, etc), you can designate who can see that particular bit of information. For anyone not using custom lists (see Step1), the best thing to select here is ‘Only friends’ & click on ‘Save Changes’

8. Step 3: Who can see your Address and Phone Number Click on ‘Contact Information’

9. Underneath each section on this page (IM Screen Name, Mobile Phone, Other Phone, etc), you can designate who can see that particular bit of information. For anyone not using custom lists (see Step1), the best thing to select here is ‘Only friends’ & click on ‘Save Changes’

10. Step 4: Change Who Can Find You on Facebook via Search You can still enjoy Facebook without some folks ever knowing or finding you thanks to the search privacy settings. Click on ‘Search’

11. 2- You can also decide the type of info that gets displayed when people find you on Facebook by un/ ticking the boxes (left). Once you chose your settings, click on ‘Save Changes’ 1- You can change the settings of the ‘Search Visibility’ drop-down box and specify who gets to find you on Facebook

12. Step 5: Stop sharing Personal info with Unknown Applications You can avoid unknowingly sharing your and your friends’ personal info by choosing your settings and what you let Facebook apps access. Click on ‘Applications’

13. Read the overview and/ or click on ‘Settings’

14. You can check and uncheck boxes next to your personal information (pics, edu, wall, religious views, etc.). This controls what applications your friends are using can see about you. Your friends’ apps can see your personal info if you don’t make this change! De-select & click on ‘Save Changes’ (bottom of page)

15. Reference : Perez, S. (2009). 5 Easy Steps to Stay Safe (and Private!) on Facebook . The New York Times . Retrieved from http://www.nytimes.com/external/readwriteweb/2009/09/16/16readwriteweb-5-easy-steps-to-stay-safe-and-private-on-fac-6393.html