Article: Avoid walking alone at night, especially in unfamiliar places, and try to stay on busy streets. Whether it's day or night, crowded, well-lit streets are generally safer than dark, abandoned alleys. If you're alone on an empty street and a stranger tries to talk to you, keep walking. Don't answer if they ask for the time or for bus fare. Get to a well-lit public area; if they follow you or act in a threatening manner, call emergency services. If you're traveling, look online or ask the hotel desk about safe and unsafe parts of the city. Try to blend in and don't call attention to your jewelry, cash, or other valuables. Waving around handfuls of cash or boasting about your possessions may attract unwanted attention. A robber weighs the risks and benefits when they choose their target. Someone who blends in or seems run of the mill might not justify the risk of getting caught. On the other hand, in a robber's mind, someone who seems like they're flush with cash would be worth the risk. In addition to being discreet with your cash, try to carry as little on you as possible. Instead, use a debit or credit card, which you can promptly deactivate if it's stolen. You should also avoid withdrawing money from an ATM by yourself at night. Robbers and predators look for people who might be lost, not paying attention, or timid in appearance. Try to appear confident and look like you know where you're going. Walk with medium strides with your head held high, and swing your arms naturally as you walk. To predators, people who walk with small strides and hold their arms still by their sides appear to be slower, more timid, and easier targets. Keep your head on a swivel as well, and glance at passersby. Don't stare at your phone or a map while you walk. Remaining alert and aware of your surroundings makes you appear to be a more difficult target. Your school or place of work likely practices active shooter drills or has an emergency evacuation plan. Familiarize yourself with emergency exits, designated assembly areas, rooms that lock from the inside, and other aspects of the emergency plan. If you're not sure whether your school or employer has active shooter protocols, talk to your teacher or supervisor.
Question: What is a summary of what this article is about?
Walk in groups, especially in dark or unsafe areas. Avoid flaunting expensive valuables and cash. Walk purposely with your chin up and shoulders back. Learn your school or employer's active shooter protocols.
Article: Take classes offered at your school that focus on technology and computer science. Enroll in computer programming, physics, and chemistry classes, and take as many math classes as possible. This is an especially helpful first step if you are a high school (or younger) student interested in pursuing a career in computer security. You can even try to take Advanced Placement (AP) courses to help put you ahead when you reach the college level. Most high schools and junior highs have some kind of computer club that students can join and participate in. This is a great way to start developing your more advanced experience with computer technology, and it will also look good on your college application. You might even consider joining the robotics club at school for more experience with how technology and machinery can be integrated in the real world. Most computer security experts are now pursuing a bachelor's degree in a computer or IT-related major. Focus on choosing a high-quality program with the most up-to-date information on computer programming, networking, information systems, penetration testing, and systems analysis. For some computer security positions, it's possible to get your foot in the door with an associate's degree accompanied by many years of experience as a substitute for a bachelor's degree. With an associate's degree, you'll spend less time and money on your education. However, you may have to start out at a lower entry-level position if you don't have a bachelor's degree. Make sure you choose a program that values innovation and aims to teach student the most relevant and useful information. Talk to your high school teachers and guidance counselors for help on finding a college with programs that fit your interests. To get an idea about your prospective university's stance on these issues, consider reaching out to a current professor in a technology-related department to ask what they think about the value the university places on innovation. Consider getting a Master's degree in computer sciences, IT systems, or even engineering. This is especially helpful if you have an undergraduate degree in an unrelated field, but it will also set you apart from the rest of the job hunters who have only a bachelor's degree or lower. This will give you the conceptual and theoretical background necessary to qualify you to work as a computer security consultant. Microsoft (MCSE), Cisco (CCIE), and other companies provide training and certification programs. Any consultant should be able to show a high level of certified training, as it will improve your chances of getting contracts. You can get many of these certifications by taking online training modules with accompanying exams. There are also many testing centers (often operated by Google or Microsoft) that facilitate these types of certifications. Some certifications are free, while others can cost anywhere from $200-2000 USD, depending on whether you just take the exam, or if you take the accompanying training course. Training courses typically last between one day and several weeks, varying between each certification. Other useful certifications include: Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP), Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH), ITIL, Certified Information Security Manager (CISM), SANS GIAC, Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA), Project Management Professional (PMP), Certified Business Continuity Professional (CBCP), Certified Protection Professional (CPP) and Certified Information Privacy Professional (CIPP). Local chapters of these kinds of professional organizations can help you join study groups, forums, and conferences. They can also help enhance your resume and your expertise. Professional organizations are usually located in most larger cities, but function on a regional/national (or even international) level, which means that members can live anywhere and still participate. To locate such organizations, try talking to other professionals in your field, reading respected journals in the field of computer technology, or searching around on the internet for groups to join. Two of the biggest organizations in the field are the Information Systems Security Association and the American Society for Industrial Security. Most organizations like this cost about $200 USD to join for an annual membership fee, though they often have discounts for students and retirees.
Question: What is a summary of what this article is about?
Take technology-related classes. Join a computer club at your school. Complete an information technology degree. Get a Master's degree. Seek professional certifications. Join a professional computer security organization.
Article: Spring-flowering bulbs are most visually appealing when a variety of flowers are planted in an arrangement. Depending on your level of gardening experience, you may want to start out with only 2 or 3 types of spring bulbs. If you're confident in your gardening skills, select a half dozen bulb varieties. Purchase at least 3 or 4 individual bulbs of each variety. Popular combinations of spring bulbs that can be planted together include: Tulips, daffodils, and snowflakes. Bearded irises, Siberian irises, crocuses, and bluebells. Snowdrops, crocuses, and hyacinth. Note that the bulbs in each combination are roughly the same size and can be planted at the same depth in the same hole. Nearly all plant nurseries stock bulbs year-round. If you visit the nursery in the fall, around September or October in the Northern Hemisphere, their selection of spring-blooming bulbs will be at its largest. Healthy, high quality bulbs will be rounded and firm, and not have any cracks or wrinkles on their surface. If there isn't a nursery in your area, many large home-supply stores have an onsite gardening center. If you don't live near a brick and mortar nursery or garden centeror if you prefer to shop onlineyou can find a wide variety of bulbs through seed catalogs. Search by flower name until you find the type of bulbs you're looking for. If the bulbs are organized by growing season, search for "spring-blooming bulbs." For example, look through the online bulb selection at Gurney's, Park Seed, or FedCo Seeds.
Question: What is a summary of what this article is about?
Select a variety of flowers. Purchase bulbs at a reputable nursery or gardening center. Order bulbs from an online seed catalog.