The internet has revolutionized the way the world functions. People utilize the internet for everything from full time employment to casual recreation. However, with all the important and useful information out there, there is also a lot of stupid stuff. Between the latest scams, hidden viruses, and obscene content, there is also plenty of pointless or inaccurate websites to contend with.

So, how is it possible to surf the net and steer clear of all the stupid stuff that can sometimes slow people down? Fortunately, there are a few simple things anyone can do to stay away from the stupid and focus on the good.

First, consider how the link was found. While search engines are indeed a wonderful thing, they can sometimes bring up some rather obscure things. For the best results when searching for something specific, it is ideal to start by looking at sites that have a solid reputation. Reputable sites often provide reputable links, making it easier to find trustworthy information and references.

Second, look at the site extension. This is one of the easiest ways to get a sense of a website without doing any reading whatsoever. Site extensions reflect the type of site and how it was funded. The most common extensions include .com, .net, .org, .edu, and .gov. While anyone can get a .com or a .net, .org and .edu are harder to come by, offered only to established organizations and schools. The most restricted URLs end with .gov, and those are sites that are funded by the government. While .org and .edu tend to be easier to trust than the general pool of .com sites, those extensions are not guarantees of accuracy.

Last, use some common sense. This point cannot be stressed enough. Many search engines will now notify users of sites with a history of problems, which can be a large help. However, while that can prevent contracting computer viruses, it takes giving a site a once over to tell whether or not its content has any merit. Look for things like references, external links, the overall quality, the contact person, or anything else that gives the site credibility. Then, always be sure to check the information with at least one other site to make sure it is accurate.

Overall, these three tips may not be fool proof, but they are a good start for steering clear of stupid stuff online. 

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