Mean streets of cyberspace

MSNBC's Bob Sullivan introduces a gift-guide for PC backup and security products with this poignant summation of the status quo:

"Cyberspace: It’s a jungle out there. Once upon a time, the Internet was a relatively benign, simple place to track down information or contact friends. Today, it’s more like a dark alley you have to walk down to get to your favorite bar."

All too true, alas. I still remember the innocent days when everyone on the Internet -- i.e., college students and scientists, for the most part -- posted not only their e-mail addresses but phone numbers, office hours and sometimes home addresses in their finger files. (OK, that really dates me, doesn't it?)