Tech Insider: David Wolfgang-Kimball

As technology marches ever onward, more and more day-to-day functions of our life can be carried out electronically with our computers. The question is, now that we have moved beyond these face-to-face interactions, how do we know whom we're dealing with when we go online?

There are 5 key questions you should ask yourself when deciding whether you should trust and believe a Web site.

How did you hear about the Web site?

Is the site a brand name you're already familiar with? Was it recommended by a reputable source, such as another Web site you trust, a newspaper, or magazine? Or did you simply stumble upon it while surfing? With millions of Web sites at your fingertips, it's wise to use a good filter. ThirdAge.com, for example, provides Web Guides to sites we reviewed and found to match our standards of excellence.

What's your impression of the Web Site?

Is it up-to-date and accurate? It is professionally presented and maintained? Is a link to the individuals or organization behind the Web site (such as an "About Us" link) easy to find? If the site's creators don't want you to know who they are, that's a warning sign. Likewise, look for links to biographical information about the authors on the site. What are their qualifications?

What's the purpose of the Web site and are they trying to sell anything?

You can start by looking at the Web site address. For example, if the Web site is produced in the United States, it will likely end in one of the following:

• .com = commercial
• .org = organization
• .edu = educational
• .gov = government
• .net = network

Always keep in mind the motivations of the Web site producers. If you're getting health information from a Web site built by a pharmaceutical company, then it's a good bet that the information may be biased towards that company's products. Advertisements are to be expected on any commercial site (just like you'd except ads in a magazine), but it's essential to confirm if the editorial content is fairly presented. In sum, what's the source of the information on the site and is it biased?

More columns by David Wolfgang-Kimball