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.

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.

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. 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.

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.

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.

Not sure about computer or Internet terms? Click on the word "Help" to the left for brief explanations of terms and directions. You may do this now, or at anytime you see the Help button throughout this web site.