How do i get better at using the internet?

[Elflord274]

I elflord176 am looking to to use the internet better, any ideas?

[Elflord274]

yeah i forgot the number after my name already

[Hibou]

Well, where specifically do you have problems?

A lot of the difficulty I find is getting used to your browser's layout and modifying its settings to suit your needs.  For me, that was a big part of it, and mostly everything else was trial and error. If you're not sure how to do something specific, I'm sure someone can give you tips 'round here. :)

[Elflord274]

I just need help in general like what search engines work best and other stuff like that

[Hibou]

I always use www.google.ca unless it's down. You can get good text, image, video, and other criteria searches there.

For videos, you can also try www.youtube.com or one of the other clones.

And for information on a lot of things, www.wikipedia.org is really useful (I think). It's a great way to just expand your general knowledge or improve in one specific area.

[SDragon]

Trust Google. Google is a great place to start out learning how to browse the web.

From there, establish a handful of sites that you like, and try to remember the URLs (the www.com part).

As a sidenote, "browsing the web" (which, i believe, is what you're asking help with) is slightly different then "using the internet". The difference is probably a little too advanced for you at this point, but trust that there is one.

[Elflord274]

Is the differance your talking about that big

[Elven Doritos]

Terminology is key to learning any concept: think of it as the difference between channel surfing and operating a television.

There are a number of books out on the subject that you can peruse through at your local library or bookstore, as well.

[SDragon]

Is the differance your talking about that big

Only with some more advanced stuff on the internet, really. Right now, you don't need to worry about it as anything more then proper terminology.

[Elflord274]

ok thats a push in the right direction thanks

[Ishmayl-Retired]

One thing to keep in mind while you're on the internet is safety.  I terms of spam, viruses, malicious spyware, etc.  Internet Explorer (the most common browser on Windows-based machines) is known for having a lot of security issues, hence the constant Windows Updates for it.  You may consider a new browser software, such as Mozilla Firefox, Opera, or even the beta version SeaMonkey, which is going to be a browser, email-looking-thingy, FTP system, all-in-one.  

You definitely need good virus software.  Norton is nice if you feel like paying the $100 or so a year.  However, if you want something 100% just as good, but for a lot less - Free - I urge you to download and install AVG.  Just install it, set the scheduler to update everytime you turn the computer on, and you're good to go.

To protect from spam, malicious software, and other spyware that's not viruses, download, install, and occasionally run (about twice a week or so) Spybot.

Finally, find a few really fun places to hang out and chat.  I know of at least one awesome site where everyone there acts as a great community, and plus, you get lots of useful information, like on using the internet and stuff!

Cheers!

[SDragon]

One thing to keep in mind while you're on the internet is safety.  I terms of spam, viruses, malicious spyware, etc.  Internet Explorer (the most common browser on Windows-based machines) is known for having a lot of security issues, hence the constant Windows Updates for it.  You may consider a new browser software, such as Mozilla Firefox, Opera, or even the beta version SeaMonkey, which is going to be a browser, email-looking-thingy, FTP system, all-in-one.  

I think Firefox would probably be the best option, but I don't have experience with Opera. SeaMonkey sounds like it might be a bit much for starting off... Don't want too many bells and/or whistles.

AVG[/url].  Just install it, set the scheduler to update everytime you turn the computer on, and you're good to go.

Spybot[/url].[/quote]one awesome site[/url] where everyone there acts as a great community, and plus, you get lots of useful information, like on using the internet and stuff!

Cheers!


[/quote]


How'd I manage to suspect that's where that link lead to? :p

[Elflord274]

Thanks for all the info