|
HELP
PAGE
You have
come to the right place if you are not sure about the meaning of certain
computer terms, or if you are a new Internet user. Here you will find:
1) Some
explanations of common terms and directions to help
you obtain the information you need from this Web site. 2)
You can also learn how to increase the font/text size
on your computer screen, if you require larger type for easier reading.
3) Finally, if you need to update your computer knowledge,
take one of the tutorials suggested here to become
more familiar and comfortable with your computer.
Did you arrive at
this page by mistake? If so, click on the arrow at the top left to return
to where you were last. Or, you may return to the Introductory (or Home)
page for this web site by Clicking Here.
Are you lost,
or not sure what page you want? Check out our Sitemap to find out where
to locate the page you are looking for by Clicking
Here.
1)
Some Common Terms
Internet
or Web
Web is short for the "World Wide Web", otherwise known as the Internet.
This vast network of information is available to anyone who has access
to a computer, a browser and a telephone link-up
through a modem, cable or DSL (high speed line). If you don't own a personal
computer, you can often access one at a local college, library or senior
center. Commercial facilities also lease computer Internet time.
Web
Browser
A web browser is access software that is installed on your computer and
lets you navigate the Internet. Two of the most commonly used browsers
are Netscape Navigator and Microsoft Internet Explorer.
Some Internet Service Providers (ISP) like AOL, provide their own browsers.
Web
Site
A web site contains all the information from a particular organization,
including links to other sites. Each web site generally starts with a
home page and contains additional pages of information
that are sometimes referred to as individual web pages.
Home
Page
This refers to the introductory page of a web site. The Home Page (or
Home) usually contains key information about the contents of the site,
and provides navigation directions and tools to help find your way around.
Navigation
Certain items (tools) and directions for their use are provided to help
you move around and find the information you want on a particular web
site. These items may be buttons, arrows, links that say Click
Here, symbols or pictures. Clicking your mouse on the selected item
will bring you to the place indicated.
"Click
Here" or Click
This is a direction that tells you to place your mouse over a word or
button that links to another location, and depress or "click" the left
mouse button (see picture below). This action will take you to that new
place.
 You
can tell which words or buttons are links. When you place your mouse over
a word or button that is a link, the cursor changes into a hand. Words
that are links are also underlined and are often in a different color
from the text around them.
URL
(Uniform Resource Locator)
Each web site has it's own specific address, just like homes have addresses
for mail delivery. This address is called a URL and it is usually case-sensitive.
(Each letter must be typed exactly the way it appears in an address, with
upper or lower case letters, as written). All URLs begin with the letters,
"http://" This part is usually supplied by most newer web browsers, but
you must add the rest of the address.
Many addresses begin
with the letters, "www", which stands for the World Wide Web.
(Note: Only use the letters, "www." In an address if they are specified.
Some addresses no longer use them.) The ending or suffix on the address
tells you the type of entity it is. For example, a ".com" is a business,
a ".edu" is an educational institution, a ".gov" is a government agency,
and a ".org" is a non-profit organization. For example, the address for
this web site ends in .edu because it is located at the University of
Miami.
Bookmark
This is a quick way or shortcut to an Internet web site. You may create
bookmarks for your favorite sites, so that you can find them easily. The
method of bookmarking varies slightly for each web browser. The details
below show you how to create bookmarks with the three most popular web
browsers.
Netscape
Navigator or Communicator
(any version): |
|
1.
2.
3.
|
Go to the web
page you want to bookmark.
Select "Bookmarks" from the toolbar (at the top of the screen).
Select "Add Bookmark" from menu.
|
|
Alternatively,
press the right mouse button and choose "Add Bookmark" from the
menu.
|
|
Internet Explorer |
1.
2.
3.
|
Go to the web
page you want to bookmark.
Select "Favorites" from the toolbar at the top of the screen.
Select "Add to Favorites" from menu.
Click the OK button.
|
| Alternatively,
press the right mouse button and choose "Add to Favorites" from the
menu and now the page you are currently at is saved as a favorite!
|
2)
Adjusting Your View
Enlarge the Words. If you have trouble reading the words
or letters on a web page, here is how you can increase the size of the
font in different browsers.
| A.
Using Netscape Navigator or Communicator
(any version): |
|
From the (Menu)
bar at the top of the screen choose (click on) the drop-down box,
View. From the list of options given, choose Increase Font,
as seen in the image below. You can repeat clicking and enlarging
untill you reach the size you need.
|
| B.
Using Internet Explorer: |
From the Menu
bar at the top of the screen choose the drop-down box, View. From
the list of options given, choose Text Size and then "larger"
or "largest" (see image below), depending on your preference/need.
|
3)
If You Need to Review
Computer Basics
If you are new to computers or haven't used one in a while, you may want
to Click Here
to brush up on the basics. The Web site you will arrive at includes tutorials
(teaching programs) for things like cleaning your mouse, using the Internet
and even using software programs, like Microsoft Word.
|
