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Information
selected for the person who is just getting started surfing the
web.
Must read articles covering a broad range of information including
tutorials, net ettiquette (netiquette), short cuts and tips and
tricks that will give you the basic information that you should
know. Oh and some fun stuff too. But be sure to check out other
sections, where you will find other information for the "newbie"
that will transform you into a "know-bie"
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Tutorials
Set-up
your new computer
It's just arrived. It even smells new. Your new CPU. This article takes
your step-by-step through unpacking and setting up your new computer.
It offers advice
A
beginner's guide to the Internet
From a discussion of how the Internet works, including an easily understandable
section on the world wide web, to tips on internet searches, and the use
of very useful short cuts like copying and pasting from a browser, this
document is a good starting point if you are just getting your feet "web"
Go
>>
Source: University at Albany
Learn
along with Oprah
The queen of day time T.V offers an 'e-diploma' to visitors. Following
this program will give a good grounding in useful skills. And like all
Oprah does, it's engineered to be non-threatening and designed to "nurture
your spirit". Go
>>
Source: Oprah
Click
and Learn Computers
If you are frustrated because you don't know computer terminology, or
even the foggiest idea what goes inside that box thing, you will find
this website to be a terrific resource. It explains how computers work
in clear language. Each lesson deals with one subject matter and are logically
sequenced to build for easy learning. Intermediate learners will benefit
as user interaction allows the choice of greater detail, without overwhelming
the novice computer user. Go
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Source: Click and Learn
How
to download from the Internet
There are a huge number of computer goodies that are available for free
online. The problem is that you may not know how to download off the Internet.
Plus, even if you have successfully downloaded it, it might be in a format
that you don't know how to "unpack" It really is very easy.
Go
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Source: ZDnet.com
Tips 'n' Tricks
Set
up your Internet browser so that you can use it to send e-mail.
Some e-mail addresses on websites are Hot-linked. That is to say, you
should be able to click on the e-mail address and have a window pop up
that will allow you to send an e-mail. (Instead of having to write down
the address, open up your e-mail program, and type in the address -- tedious!)
Follow these instructions to learn how to set up your browser so that
you may send e-mails direct from a web page. It is easy, though you will
need to have a bit of information on hand (but don't worry, this page
walks you through it all). Go
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Source: Beginner's Central
Desktop
Tweaks
As this author notes, it's called a Personal Computer, so why not tailor
your desktop to reflect your tastes? Lots of links to other sites with
graphics to decorate your desktop.
Go
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Source: SailCat
Blast
off: Launching a web site quickly
You can launch a website without even opening a web-browser. Here's how.
Go
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Source: TechTV
Search Engines
A short list of the most popular search engines. Be
aware that some engines have strengths that make them more appropriate
for different . There are also subject specific search engines that might
be better for very detailed knowledge.
Google
I use this search engine a lot. It uses text-matching techniques to find
pages that are both important and relevant to your search. A very good
place to start if you know what you're looking for. Great Features: like
"only in a domain" searching, and an Updated by: section which
allows you to filter out pages that haven't been changes in a long while.
Go >>
Yahoo!
Stands for "Yet Another Hierarchical Officious Oracle," and
it is essentially a huge portal with lists of websites divided into categories.
A great place to start if you are trying to get an overview of the information
available. Go
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Excite
While this site started out as a search engine, now it is a "global
media company offering consumers and advertisers comprehensive Internet
navigation services with extensive personalization capabilities."
Most popular is the stock portfolio tool. Go
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AltaVista
Web and newsgroup search engine. Go
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HotBot
Search using plain English grammar. Use a point-and-click interface, and
pulldown menus, to conduct searches.
WebCrawler
One of the original search worms that's still hanging around.
Study
Web
A searchable categorized index over 17,000 educational and reference Web
sites. Reviewed by . Designed for use by students and educators alike.
About.com
extensive network of sites by subject specialists who write articles,
host discussions, publish free email newsletters and provide personally-reviewed
links for each topic.
Northern
Light
Using search folders for web and article searching. This engine does return
articles that are "pay to read." Some people love this engine,
others dislike it. Judge for yourself. Go
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General Knowledge
Is
is a real warning or a hoax?
This website has valuable information for the newbie that will help you
find out if that dire warning that you received about a new virus is real.
There are hundreds of hoaxes. Send this URL to friends who insisted on
cluttering up your Inbox with fake warnings. Follow the "Hoax Busters"
link . Go
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Source: CIAC.com
Virus
Security
Bonus: Scan your computer for free. As one of the larger companies
providing virus protection software, Symantec has a huge library of viruses.
You should have anti-virus software installed on your computer, but in
a pinch, you can use Symantec. Plus, you can look up a virus to see what
damage it does, how it works and how you can get rid of it. Symantec would
like to sell you their software, but they do give very complete and easy
to follow instructions on how to remove manually (if possible). Go
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Source: Symantec Security
Inside
your PC
Okay, this might be more than you really wanted to know. Perhaps you are
of the "I don't care what's in there as long as it works school"
Fair enough. But this is a very comprehensive guide that talks about your
PC's innards. Guides cover the following topics: Modern CPUs, hard drives,
USB, Video / Monitors and Windows 98. Excellent for self-study as you
can go as fast or slow as you want. Go
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Source: PC Mechanic
Netiquette
Minding
your Ps and Qs -- manners are important in the un-real world too!
Just like (ideally) our actions are governed in the real world by rules
of etiquette, the Internet is governed by rules of Netiquette. Generally
the same rules apply -- "treat others as you like to be treated".
However, there are other "rules" that you might not be aware
of, but that could attract "flaming" -- angry letters. Go
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Source: Albion
Just because it's fun
Don't
forget to feed your screensaver
The next generation of screen saver? The endless back and forth of the
fish on that widly popular aquarium screen saver is nothing compared to
a screen pet that learns and grows with time. You will need DirectX 7
to make this work. Go
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Source: Desktop Pets
Blip,
blink, blink
Have a hankering to play Pong? It's okay to admit it. You can find a huge
number of classic (retro) games.
Go
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Source: Classic gaming
Virtual
Aquarium
Just because it's fun. But I can't help but wish that the fish movement
was more sophisticated. Go
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Source: Tetra-fish
Website Building
Website
building is child's play
Okay. So this website is really designed for kids. So what! It offers
simple instructions, some good basic templates and links to good sources.
Just don't let the primary colour scheme bother you. Go
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Source: Webmonkey.com
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