1) I do not know if my computer has a modem, nor the speed of
it, how an I find out? I think that my modem is internal.
One of the easiest ways to find out if your computer has a modem
is to simply read the literature that came with it. If that doesn't
work, check the back of the computer and see if any phone jack
plugs are visible. (If you see phone jacks, an internal modem
is present). With Windows 95, access the Control Panel and click
on modems. Any modem currently installed should appear with specifics
on the brand, speed and under properties the COM port.
2) I bought a brand new computer, it ought to be Internet ready,
what is the modem speed that you recommend?
A 14.4 is the lowest baud modem I would attempt to work with due
to the delays in downloading large pages. I would recommend 28.8
or better.
3) What is a web page?
A web page also referred to as a site is a location on a remote
computer. When a person enters the URL or address of a web page,
a link is formed between your browser and the remote location.
The "http" that you see preceeding addresses tells
the server what protocol your browser will be using (in other
words your computer is advising the other computer what language
it intends to use). A language called HTML interprets the commands
imbedded in the page and uses them to format pictures and text.
A page filled with that text and pictures will then appear on
the screen on your computer.
Note: If you see items underlined (and often in contrasting colors)
these are links to other pages. Click on the link and the page
indicated there will then replace the one you are currently viewing.
4) I want to try the Internet and see if I like it. / How do
you actually access the Internet? / Is there software? / How do
I find my way in the Internet? / I can not figure out where I
want to go in the Internet / Are there any lessons that I can
take?
(Occasionally), most service providers offer a free or discounted period of time before full monthly charges take effect. I would recommend trying some of the many offers out there. Call a service provider, sign up and if it's not what you're looking for, cancel. Word of warning! Some companies demand a faxed request to cancel an account with your signature. I tried 6 companies before I settled on one. Remember, this is the purpose of the trial period so don't feel guilty, take them up on their offers!
Internet companies will set up a PPP account and then send their
new customers software that can be installed on their home computers.
The providers usually send information so that their customers
can sign onto the Internet, or offer free tech support to guide
customers in the set-up procedure.
(PPP stands for point to point, which is an Internet standard
for serial communications and defines how your computer exchanges
data packets with other Internet systems).
At this point, for most customers, the starting point is the home
page for their Internet provider. Links to interesting sites
are often found there, but if not, the new user might try:
http://www.cbs.com/lateshow/ttlist.html This is an archive of
David Letterman's top ten lists.
http://www-cgi.cnn.com/ CNN's home page
http://www.cnet.com/ An online computer community. Lots of downloads
and interesting computing articles.
http://www.kmol.com/ KMOL's home page. San Antonio news and up
to date weather reports.
http://www.lineagesnet.com/ Good genealogy site.
http://metacrawler.cs.washington.edu:8080/index.html Search vehicle
http://www.msnbc.com/ NBC's home page. News stories and human
interest items.
http://www.onsale.com/ On-line auction house for computers and
parts.
http://pathfinder.com/@@gtfIfAQAiBtQzieO/welcome/ On-line magazine
site.
http://www-server.linkline.com/spurs/ Official Spurs home page.
http://www.usatoday.com/ On-line USA today.
http://www.yahoo.com/ A list of lists for the things you can't
find elsewhere.
These are some of my most visited sites and nearly all provide
links to other interesting Internet locations.
When you find a site that interests you click on Bookmarks and
then on "add Bookmark". Don't be afraid to try new
links, if you don't like what you've found click on the back arrow
and return to the previous page.
One of the best sources of information (the how and the why) is the "Idiots" or "Dummies" series of books.
The web itself is a wonderful tool, and sites like c-net offers
articles, comparisons, game information and thank goodness even
a glossary so that the beginner isn't left in the dark due to
too many computer terms. Some educational institutions offer
classes on both computers and Internet use.
The best teachers are curiosity and time. Be patient and feel
free to experiment, you'll go far!
Susan Wehe
swehe@ix.netcom.com
http://www.netcom/~swehe/family.html
Susan Wehe is a member of the Seguin Internet Club and a regular contributor to the Internet Beat column. Her past articles, as well as all 17 previous articles, can be found in the Internet, in the web page of the Seguin Internet Club at:
http://lonestar.texas.net/~weersjt/club/intbeat.html
This Saturday, the Seguin Internet Club will hold its October
meeting at Cetury 21 D&D, at 10 am. If you plan to attend,
please bring web sites and hints to share and post, for everyone
to see and copy if interested. The unstructured format will continue.
To offer ideas for the club, contact either Jerry Weers, Gloria
Rivera or Alton Hierholzer, 303-0818, 303-4764, 303-9260, weersjt@texas.net
riverag@connecti.com altonh@connecti.com
To contribute to this column, contact Gloria Rivera, column coordinator.
Next week: Jackie Moczygemba: Allied Health Sites.