Computer Pointers

This section is set up for people new to computers and to the Internet
Intended to be explained in simple terms
We've all been there!
There are some books listed below to help you- click on picture of book

People not familiar with computers some times tend to be intimidated by them. Computers have become too important in today's world to ignore them. They aren't going to go away. They are a great tool for business and whatever else you can imagine. Remember this, THE COMPUTER WILL DO EXACTLY WHAT YOU TELL IT TO DO - NOT WHAT YOU MEAN FOR IT TO DO! These pointers are for people new to the Web to minimize "frustration". This section will increase as time goes by, so check back and see what has been added.

General suggestions for making your Internet experience enjoyable.
1. Keep your browser current.

Internet Explorer 6.0.29 is now available. (button is linked)

Netscape 8.1 is now available. (button is linked)

We show you how in the how to use Internet Explorer 5.0 section
2. Get the fastest connection that is economically feasible. Example a 56K modem obviously will make things twice as fast as a 28.8 modem. Your searches are twice as fast, your windows load twice as fast and of course your downloads are twice as fast. It is not fun sitting there watching things load slowwwly. If you are doing research you can cut your time in half!

The Rough Guide to the Internet 1999

By Angus J. Kennedy

How the Internet Works (How It Works)

By Preston Gralla

The Internet for Dummies (5th Ed)

by John R. Levine,Carol Baroudi & Margaret Levine Young

AOL - AOL has modified Microsoft's Internet Explorer which it uses as its Internet Browser. The modifications have in some instances severely limited the capabilities of the browser, which means you aren't going to see things as Web developers mean for you to see.

Click on picture to enlarge

Get a notebook and keep it by your computer. Organize it however you want, but one section is absolutely necessary and that is PASSWORDS. As you navigate around the Web, you may want to subscribe to different sites that you will want to revisit. You will need to submit 2 things, an ID and a Password in order to subscribe. Depending how often you visit a site, remembering these items can become a problem. The simple solution is to WRITE these 2 items down.

SITUATIONS - for lack of a better term, this is what you will find yourself in sometimes. It might be how to do something or how to correct something. You will probably find yourself in that "situation" again! Write it down!

VENDORS - write down the web addresses of the manufacturers of your computer programs along with the Serial number and/or your account number if you have one. Then go through each manual and write down the Tech Support number. Also write this information down on the inside cover page of the manual for each of your programs.

COMPUTER INFO - write down the pertinent information about your computer. When components were bought and information about them.

Kind of Processor - AMD, Pentium etc.-
Processor Speed -
RAM (how much volatile memory) -
Hard Drive capacity -
Monitor, Make, Model Serial # -
Printer, Make, Model Serial # -

- If you don't know, look in your manual or have a knowledgeable friend decipher for you. There will be times when you will need to know this for technical support etc. This is like knowing the layout of your house and what type of car you have. By having this in your notebook, it will be in one central place.