Online sites like Craigslist and Swap Shop Facebook pages make it easier than ever for people to buy and sell stuff right in their own neighborhood.
 
Our own Socketeers have bought and sold all kinds of things online. Josh in business sales bought a bandsaw and sold a swimming pool. Stephanie in marketing sold her car. Justin in customer service buys and sells all kinds of drum gear for his band.
 
We all love the convenience of buying and selling locally. You don't have to worry about shipping costs or long delays waiting for items to arrive. You can often inspect an item in person before buying. Sellers can avoid paying fees to a host site or hassling with shipment of items.
 
Unfortunately, buying or selling locally comes with risks. The vast majority of online shoppers have good intentions, but shoppers can be taken advantage of by those acting illegally to cause personal or financial harm.
 
We've come up with a list of safety precautions to follow when buying or selling online:
 
Use a cell phone number. Unlike your home telephone number, it usually can't be traced back to a specific address.
 
Meet up in public spots. Whether buying or selling, protect yourself by meeting at a local restaurant, gas station or busy parking lot. Let your friends and family know you're going or, better yet, take a friend along with you.
 
Place large items outside the home. If it's not possible to meet up in a public place (for example, when selling large furniture), move items outside the house or into the garage. Avoid letting buyers into your home if possible.
 
Be alert to money wiring scams. Particularly on Craigslist, be alert to sellers who request payment via money wiring, especially in amounts above the purchase price.
 
Trust your instincts. Most importantly, end the transaction if a buyer or seller seems suspicious or not serious about the item.
 
Local online communities can be a great way to find deals or get some cash for unwanted items. As long as users remain cautious and aware of potential risks when dealing online, the risk of being taken advantage of online decreases dramatically.
 

Early this morning, damaging storm winds blew through Sedalia, MO, causing significant destruction at the Missouri State Fair.
 
Although many attractions (like the Socket Pig Races at left) suffered damages, the Fair reopened today at 3 p.m. and continues through the weekend.
 
All events and concerts are expected to continue as scheduled.
 
No injuries were reported to people or livestock, including famous racing piggies Sarah Jessica Porker, Snoop-Hoggy-Hog and Lady Hog-a.
 
The Fair continues through Sunday, August 21 in Sedalia. For more information, visit www.mostatefair.com.

Anti-virus protection is an important tool to ward off security threats so you can keep your computer running smoothly and protect your personal information.
 
But simply installing security software isn't enough, and you shouldn't casually dismiss reminders about an expiring subscription or necessary updates.
 
An anti-virus program that is not regularly updated and renewed will be virtually ineffective in protecting a computer. Updates are crucial to defending a computer against new malware and viruses that are constantly being developed by hackers.
 
Fortunately, it's easy to schedule automatic updates for most anti-virus software. Just choose a time to regularly check for, download and install anti-virus updates to your computer. Be sure you're connected to the Internet at that time.
 
While you're at it, schedule routine scans to check for viruses and malware on your computer. You do not need to be connected to the Internet to run a scan.
 
If you don’t currently have an anti-virus program, or if you need to update your expired security software, Socket recommends and supports Trend Micro Internet Security to keep your computer healthy and virus-free.
 

It's almost time for the Missouri State Fair!
 
Socket is once again sponsoring the Pig Races at the Fair, and to celebrate, we're giving away tickets to Lynyrd Skynyrd, Championship Bull Riding, and the sold out Jason Aldean concert.
 
You can enter to win by clicking on the "racing piggy" on this page. Double your chances by going to Socket's Facebook page and tagging yourself in the photo of the event you want to win tickets to.
 
Hurry, because the contest ends Tuesday, August 9! Winners will be announced Wednesday, August 10 on our Facebook page as well as the Missouri State Fair page on our website. Winners can pick up their tickets at the box office on the day of the event.
 
Don't forget to come out and see us at the Socket Pig Races! Socketeers will be in attendance on August 11 (Thurs), 13 (Sat) and 20 (Sat).
 
Find our big tent next to the Gerken Dairy Center.
 
Hope to see you there!