Internet Basics

Internet Basics

Internet Basics
Lesson 19: Cookies

By the end of this lesson, learners should be able to:

Determine how websites use cookies to track data
Control cookies

Cookies

Many e-commerce web sites use cookies. A cookie is a small file that a web site puts on your hard drive so it can remember something about you at a later time. For example, a cookie may contain information (such as a unique user ID) that is used to track the pages of the sites you've visited.

At GCFLearnFree.org, we use a special type of cookie called a session cookie. These cookies expire when you leave our site and do not store personally identifiable information in the cookie. Other sites cannot read them. We use session cookies simply to keep track of how many members and registered students use the site.

While cookies may seem like an invasion of privacy, they can improve your online experience. Cookies allow you to "personalize" web sites, such as a personalized MSN or Apple start page. They may also save you some time. You don't have to type the same information into a frequently used site over and over again. Cookies help keep track of your order, and certain ads or products display because of what you've purchased in the past, etc.

Controlling Your Cookies using Netscape or IE

Depending on your web browser, you may turn cookies on or off, or alerted when a cookie is placed on your hard drive. See your browser's Help menu for more information.

To turn cookies on:

Netscape Navigator / Communicator 4.7:

Choose EditPreferences from the menu bar.
Select Advanced from the left-hand menu.
Select Accept All Cookies.
Click OK.

For Netscape 6.2:

Choose EditPreferencesPrivacy & SecurityCookiesEnable all cookies.

Internet Explorer 5.0 for PC:

Choose ToolsInternet Options from the menu bar.
Click the Security tab.
Click Custom Level at the bottom of the window.
Scroll down to Cookies.
Two options display: "Allow cookies that are stored on your computer" and "Allow per-session cookies (not stored)"
Select Enable for both.
Click OK.

Controlling Your Cookies using Mac OS or AOL

Depending on your web browser, you may turn cookies on or off, or alerted when a cookie is placed on your hard drive. See your browser's Help menu for more information.

To turn cookies on:

Internet Explorer 5.0 for Mac:

Choose EditPreferences from the menu bar.
Select Receiving Files.
Select the option Never ask under When receiving cookies.
Click OK.

AOL 5.0:

Select Preferences.
Click on WWW.
Select the Security tab.
Click on Custom Level.
Scroll down to Cookies.
Select Enable.

Challenge!

Visit a well-known online retailer.
Look for their Customer Service or Privacy Policy pages.
Read the policies for use of cookies.

Internet Basics
Lesson 18: Secure Transactions

By the end of this lesson, learners should be able to:

Define e-commerce
Determine if a website uses SSL
Upgrade the level of web browser security

E-Commerce

These days, you can buy books, clothing, toys, tickets, and more on the Internet. Online shopping is called e-commerce.

You usually buy goods and services online using a personal credit card or debit card. An electronic purchase form may look something like this:

First Name
Last Name
Email
Password
Confirm Password
Street Address
City
State
Zip
Shipping Address
City
State
Zip
Credit Card Type
Credit Card Number
Expiration Date

Important Point Have you ever wondered what happened to that information once you click "send?" Is the information secure as it travels over the Internet? How can you be sure?

Secure Sockets Layer (SSL)

Most security measures involve passwords (discussed in Lesson 15) and data encryption. Data that is "encrypted" is just a fancy way of saying that data is turned into secret code. To read an encrypted file, you have to have access to a secret key or password.

What is SSL technology?

Many e-commerce websites use SSL technology, an encryption method and industry standard, to protect the security of your credit card.

SSL transfers information securely across the Internet. Once your browser connects to the web server, sensitive information is "scrambled," or encrypted, while being exchanged. This way, a third party can't intercept the data.

How can you be sure SSL in is effect?

First, check your browser window.

Depending on your browser, if you see an unbroken key or lock symbol , SSL is active, or in effect. If you are using a Netscape browser, look at the lower left corner after accessing the server. For Internet Explorer, look at the lower right corner after accessing the server.

You can also make sure SSL is in effect by looking at your browser's URL address box. When accessing a secure web server, the first part of the URL will change from http:// to https//:.

Next, check the Certificate.

Double-click on the lock symbol to view the security certificate. Make sure the certificate is "Issued to" the Web site and the "Valid from" dates are current.

Internet Explorer security certificate

Netscape security certificate

128-bit Encryption

What is the difference between 128-bit and 40-bit encryption?

Without getting technical, the main difference is that 128-bit encryption provides a significantly greater amount of protection than 40-bit encryption. Roughly speaking, 128-bit encryption is millions of times stronger than 40-bit encryption. Your web browser should have at least "128-bit encryption."

Verify Your Security Level

For Netscape, choose View Page Info from the menu bar.
For Internet Explorer, choose File Properties from the menu bar.

Important point With the increasing computing power of potential criminals, greater level of security is becoming more necessary. 128-bit encryption remains a very strong method of security for the foreseeable future. If you have any doubt about a web site's security level, consider placing your order by phone.

Privacy Tips

While you shouldn't be afraid to make an online purchase, you should be informed on how the online retailer will use your personal information.

When filling out an online order form, don't blindly fill in every blank field. Instead, look for the fields that are required to make the purchase. (Sometimes marked by an *asterisk* or different color.)

Read the order form. Watch out for areas that are "pre-selected" for your convenience (such as checkboxes); you may end up with a lot of unwanted email. Ever wondered how those "spammers" got your email address?

Create a free web mail account and use it as for "junk mail." (Yahoo and Hotmail are just two examples of sites that offer free web mail.) When retailers require an email address, use your junk mail account rather than your personal ISP email account. That way, if you receive a lot of spam, you can simply create another junk mail account.

Look for links such as Help, FAQ, About Us, Customer Service, Privacy Policy, or Privacy and Security.

When you arrive at that page, look for answers to questions such as:

What kind of information do they collect?
How do they use my information?
Do they share my information with third parties?
How do I access my information? How do I update or delete my information?
How do I remove my information from email, phone, and postal mailing lists?
Do they use cookies? (Learn more about cookies in the next lesson.)

Challenge!

If necessary, visit your browser's website and upgrade to 128-bit encryption.

Netscape
Internet Explorer You will have to upgrade your browser to gain 128-bit encryption.
AOL: Go to keyword: BROWSER and a box will display 40-bit or 128-bit. If you are not at 128-bit, click on the upgrade link.
Remember, whenever you apply an upgrade to your PC, it is wise to backup important files first!

Lesson 17: Password Protection

By the end of this lesson, learners should be able to:

Discuss the importance of Internet security
Discuss the importance of password protection

The Importance of Being Safe

If you use the Internet on a semi-regular basis, you are probably concerned with Internet security. There's a lot to know regarding Internet security. In this unit, you'll learn some of the basic things you can do to ensure that your computer, and the sensitive data stored in your computer, will remain safe and secure.

Think for a moment: What kind of data do you have stored on your computer (finances or other sensitive personal information)? Have you ever purchased anything over the Internet? Do you do your banking online?

Unfortunately, there are criminals (sometimes referred to as "hackers" or "crackers") who would like to break or "hack" into your computer for a variety of reasons.

How do you make sure that www.onlinestore.com will not sell, loan, rent, lease, barter or publish your personal information?

Important point One of your first lines of defense against potential hackers is password protection.

Password Do's

Computers, programs, and files are often password protected. A password (along with a user name) grants you access to protected computers, programs, or files.

Do password protect computers, accounts, programs, files, etc. Whenever possible, add this basic level of security.
Do change your password on a regular basis. Your local administrator and/or ISP may recommend when it's best to change your password. Many people change their password once every three to four months. However, if you notice your account has been compromised in any way, change your password immediately. For example, if the date and time of your last login doesn't match the date and time that you remember last being logged in, change your password.
Do use a password that is at least eight to ten characters long. Use a combination of numbers and letters. A longer password provides greater security. Remember, some passwords are cAse-SeNSitiVE.
Do memorize your password. While you may find it convenient to keep a list of your user names and passwords beside your computer, this is a blatant security risk. Don't keep an electronic list of passwords on your computer, particularly if you use a laptop.

Password Don'ts

Don't let anyone look over your shoulder while you type in your password. Think the woman standing behind you while you use the ATM is too close for comfort? She may be. Also, don't knowingly give your password to anyone. The purpose of a password is that no one but you can log in and start using your account.
Don't use a "one size fits all" password. Don't use the same password for your separate accounts. For example, use different passwords for your employer's computer network, voicemail, ISP, web mail, etc.
Don't choose a password that can be easily traced to you. For example, using your birth date, social security number, phone number, the name of your spouse, child, relative, pet, etc is a bad idea.
Don't use well-known abbreviations. For example, ASAP (as soon as possible) or NATO (North Atlantic Treaty Organization) is far too familiar (and short, for that matter) to make a solid password.
Don't use words that can be found in the dictionary. Hackers use dictionaries as a tool to discover passwords. That goes for foreign dictionaries as well.
Don't ever use your user name as your password. Or your name, for that matter. This is the easiest password to crack.

Creating a Good Password

By now, you already know a lot about creating a password, but you may be at a loss for what password you'll use next. Using the following steps, create a good password.

First, create a sentence or phrase.
For example: In Tallahassee Playing Piano for Grandpa March 4.
Next, base your password on that phrase.
Your password would look like this: itpp4gpa34
It's easy to remember, ten characters, a combination of letters and numbers based on a phrase, can't be found in the dictionary, is not a common acronym, and the information is not personal. (I don't live in Tallahassee, and can't play piano for anyone including my grandpa, in March or any other time.)
Do not use the example just given as your password. Remember, it is on public display, available to anyone.

Challenge!

Create a simple phrase or sentence on which your next password will be based.
Memorize it.

Lesson 11: Internet Explorer: Accessibility Features

By the end of this lesson, learners should be able to:

Use the highlighting feature
Change text size and font
Change text and link color

Highlighting

Internet Explorer includes some accessibility features.

As you move around a web page, you've probably noticed the mouse pointer's various states: the insertion point, the mouse pointer (arrow), and the finger.

Important Point Insertion Point
Displays when you roll your mouse over text that is not linked.

Important Point Mouse Pointer
Displays when you roll your mouse over images that are not linked.

Important Point Finger
Displays when you roll your mouse over text and images that are linked.

Important Point When your mouse pointer becomes the insertion point, you can double-click any text or image to highlight it. You can highlight text if you have difficulty seeing the insertion point.

Changing Text Size

Changing text size can improve readability.

To increase text size:

Choose ViewText Size from the menu bar.
A cascading menu appears.
The default is Medium.
Choose Smallest or Largest as needed.
The text size decreases or increases, depending on your selection.
Repeat steps 1-3 and choose Medium to return to the default.

Text size menu

Changing Font

Sometimes, changing the font can increase readability.

To display text in a different font:

Choose ToolsInternet Options from the menu bar.
Click the General tab.
Click the Fonts button.
In the Web page font and Plain text font lists, click the fonts you want.

Important point Note: Graphics cannot be resized or changed in any way using a web browser. For example, our GCFLearnFree.org logo is a graphical image. It cannot be changed using the browser.

Changing Color

While changing text size and font can increase readability, so can the use of color. Those with low vision and/or color blindness may have difficulty viewing certain colors. However, web designers don't always take this into account when determining font colors, sizes, and background colors.

To change how page colors are displayed:

On the Tools menu in Internet Explorer, click Internet Options.
On the General tab, click Colors.
The Colors dialog box appears.
Change the color settings as needed.

Colors dialog box

Important point Note: Graphics cannot be resized or changed in any way (including color) using a web browser.

Challenge!

Start your web browser and observe the highlighting box.
Increase the text size to largest.
Return to the default size (medium).
Change the font. Make note of default fonts.
Change color. Make note of default colors.
Return to the default.

Internet Basics
Lesson 10: Internet Explorer: Working with Web Pages

By the end of this lesson, learners should be able to:

Save pictures
Copy and paste text from a web page
Email a link
Print a web page
Work Offline

Saving Pictures

It's easy to return to previously visited web pages using tools such as Favorites and History.

You can also save specific pictures, text, or links from web pages for later reference.

Right-click image and choose Save Picture As

To save pictures:

Go to the web page that features a picture you want to save.
Right-click the item you want to save. The shortcut menu opens.
Choose Save Picture As from the shortcut menu.
The Save Picture dialog box opens.
The default save location is My Pictures. Click the Save in drop down box arrow to navigate to a new save location.
Rename the image in the File name text box if needed.
Click Save.

Save Picture dialog box

To set a web page image as desktop wallpaper:

Go to the web page.
Right-click the image, choose Set as Wallpaper from the shortcut menu.
It will be saved in the list as Internet Explorer wallpaper.
Minimize the window. Your new wallpaper should display.
Each new graphic you set as wallpaper will replace the old one.

To edit wallpaper:

Choose StartSettingsControl Panel.
Double-click the Display icon to open the Display Properties window.
Click the Background tab and adjust image settings.

Important point The Start menu is fully explained in our self-paced Windows 98 course.

Copying and Pasting Text

You can save specific text from web pages for later reference. For example, if you want to save content from a site that features regularly changing content, (an online newspaper, for example); you might want to copy and paste text.

To copy and paste text from a web page:

Go to the web page.
Select the text you want to copy.
Choose EditCopy from your web browser's menu bar or right-click the text and choose Copy from the shortcut menu.
Open another application, such as Word, for example.
Choose EditPaste from the menu bar or right-click and choose Paste from the shortcut menu to paste the text into the document of choice (for example, a Word document).

Right-click to copy text

Important Point For a complete explanation on saving, copying and pasting, see our self-paced Office 2000 course.

Emailing Links

While surfing the Internet, you may come across an interesting site you want to share with friends or family. There are several different methods of sending a web page via email.

To cut and paste a link:

Go to the web page.
In the Address box, select the URL. For example: http://www.gcflearnfree.org.
Right-click and choose Copy from the shortcut menu.
Open your email program.
Compose your email message.
Right-click the body of the email message, and choose Paste from the shortcut menu.
Send the message.

Right-click to copy a URL

Important point Some web pages include a "Tell A Friend" or "Email this Article" feature. This may be convenient, but you may want to be wary of who you give your email address to.

To send a link in email:

Go to the web page.
Choose FileSend.
Click Page by Email or Link by Email.
Compose your email message, and then send the message.

send link menu

Important point You need to specially configure your e-mail program for the send a link in email method to work.

Print a Web Page

Let's say you need to print a web page, such as a map, for offline reference.

To print a web page:

Choose FilePrint. The Print dialog box opens.
Set printing options as you normally would.

To print a frame or item in a web page:

Right-click the frame or item. The shortcut menu opens.
Choose Print, Print Frame, or Print Target.
The Print dialog box opens.
Set printing options as you normally would.

Print dialog box

Important point For a full explanation of printing and the Print dialog box, see our self-paced Office 2000 course.

Work Offline

You can revisit useful web sites whether or not you have an Internet connection available. Using the Work Offline feature, you can view web pages without connecting to the Internet.

To View Web Pages Offline:

Go to the site you want to visit later.
Add it to Favorites.
Before you disconnect from the Internet, choose Tools Synchronize from the menu bar.
The Items to Synchronize dialog box appears.
Click Synchronize.

When you want to work offline:

Choose FileWork Offline.
Open Favorites.
View the pre-set page offline.

Items to Sync dialog box

Important point IE synchronizes when you shut down and reboot your machine.

Challenge!

Open Internet Explorer.
Go to the GCF home page and save the GCF logo to your desktop.
Copy and paste text from a web page into a Word document.
Email a link to a friend.
Print a web page.
Try working offline

Internet Basics

Lesson 9: Internet Explorer: History and Search

By the end of this lesson, learners should be able to:

Access History
Customize History
Search using Internet Explorer

History

Using the History feature, you can find pages you've recently visited in the last few days.

To see a list of pages you've recently visited:

Click the down arrow at the end of the Address bar.
To view, click any site from the list.

Address bar's history list

To access your History using the IE Explorer bar:

Choose ViewExplorer barHistory or click the History button on the toolbar. (Ctrl + H)
The Explorer bar opens and the History list appears in the left side of the window.
Click a week or day.
Click a folder to display individual pages.
Click the web page icon to display the web page.

To hide the Explorer's bar's History list:

Click the History button again to hide the Explorer bar's History list.

Click the X in the upper right.

History Bar

Customizing your History List

You can specify how many pages are saved in your History list.

To specify how many pages are saved in the History list:

Choose Tools Internet Options from the IE menu bar.
Click the General tab
In the History area, change the number of days that the History list keeps track of your pages.
Click the Clear History button to clear your history and temporarily free up disk space on your computer.

Internet Options dialog box

Search

You can also look for web pages using the Search function.

For ease of use, IE offers a couple of ways to search.

Searching with the Explorer bar:

Choose ViewExplorer barSearch click the Search button on the toolbar.
The Explorer bar's Search function displays. (Ctrl + E)
Choose a category for your search. (Find a web page, Find a person's address, Find a Business, Previous Searches, or Find a Map radio buttons)
Plug in any key words you think the page contained in the Find a web page containing text box.
Click Search.
Results display in the bar. Click links that interest you.

Search bar

OR

Click the History button. The History list opens. Access the Search function by clicking Search (located at the top of the History list).

To hide the Explorer's bar's Search function:

Click the Search button again.

Click the X in the upper right of the Search function.

Search

You can also perform a web search by typing search terms directly into the Address bar.

Searching from the Address bar:

Type in any key words you think the page may contain.
Click the Go button or press Enter on the keyboard.
MSN Search results display in a web page.
Choose a link that interests you.

Entering search terms into the Address bar

partial view of MSN search page

Lesson 8: Internet Explorer: Favorites

By the end of this lesson, learners should be able to:

Access Favorites
Add to Favorites
Organize Favorites
Rename and Delete Favorites

Access Favorites

When surfing the Web, you have probably found a number of sites you'd like to return to in the future. You can keep track of your favorite sites without having to remember long URLs using the Favorites feature.

This feature comes with some pre-existing Favorites you may or may not find useful. You can access, add to, find, and organize your Favorites.

To access Favorites from the IE menu bar:

Choose Favorites from the IE menu bar. (Ctrl + I)
A Favorites list appears. You may need to click the double arrow at the bottom of the list to expand your choices.
Click a Favorite to go to that web page.

Favorites list as seen from the IE menu bar

To access Favorites from the IE Explorer bar:

Choose ViewExplorer barFavorites or click the Favorites button on the toolbar.
The Explorer bar opens and the Favorites list appears.
Click a Favorite to go to that web page.

To hide the Explorer bar's Favorites list:

Click the Favorites button again to hide the Explorer bar. (Ctrl + I)

Click the X in the upper right of the Explorer bar .

Explorer bar with Favorites list displayed

Add to Favorites

To add to Favorites using the IE menu bar:

Go to the page you want to add to your Favorites. For example: http://www.gcflearnfree.org.
Choose Favorites Add to Favorites from the IE menu bar.
The Add Favorite dialog box opens.
The page title appears in the Name text box. For example: "Welcome to GCFLearnFree.org Community Center." Change the page title if you wish. For example, "GCF" may be adequate.
Click OK to add it to your Favorites list.

add favorites

To add to Favorites using the IE Explorer bar:

Click the Favorites button on the toolbar.
The Explorer bar opens and the Favorites list appears.
Click the Add button.
The Add Favorite dialog box opens.
The page title appears in the Name text box. Rename the page if you wish.
Your new Favorite appears in the Favorites list.

Organizing Favorites

Once you add several Favorites, you may want to organize them in folders. There are several methods of organizing your Favorites.

To Organize Favorites:

Click the Favorites button.
The Explorer bar opens and the Favorites list displays.
Click a Favorite you want to organize.
Drag and drop any Favorite into a pre-existing folder.

Organize Favorites bar

Click the Favorites button (the Explorer bar opens) and click the Organize button.
The Organize Favorites dialog box opens. Use this dialog box to Create a New Folder, Rename, Move to Folder, and Delete.
Drag and drop Favorites into folders.

Working in the Organize Favorites dialog box, click the Move to Folder button and drag and drop Favorites into folders.

Organize Favorites dialog box

Creating New Folders

You may need to create new folders in order to keep your Favorites organized.

To Create a New Folder:

Click the Favorites button. The Explorer bar opens and the Favorites list displays.
Click the Add button.
The Add Favorite dialog box opens.

Add Favorites dialog box

Click the New Folder button.
The Create New Folder dialog box opens.
Name the folder and click OK.

create new folder dialog box

Click OK again to close the Add Favorite dialog box and add the new folder to your Favorites list.

Click the Favorites button on the toolbar and click the Organize button.
The Organize Favorites dialog box opens.
Click the Create Folder button.
A new folder is created, ready to be renamed.

organize favorites dialog box after Create New Folder button is activated

Renaming and Deleting Favorites

You may need to rename or delete Favorites.

To Rename a Favorite:

In the Explorer bar's Favorites list, right-click a Favorite. Choose rename from the shortcut menu.
The name is now highlighted, ready to be changed.

Right-click Favorite and choose Rename from the shortcut menu

Renaming a Favorite

Use the Organize Favorites dialog box.

To Delete a Favorite:

In the Explorer bar's Favorites list, right-click a Favorite. Choose delete from the shortcut menu.
A confirmation message appears. Choose Yes.

Use the Organize Favorites dialog box.

Internet Basics

Lesson 7: Internet Explorer: Customizing your Browser

Page 1

By the end of this lesson, learners should be able to:

Identify IE's toolbars, Status bar, and Explorer bar
Show and hide toolbars, Status bar, and Explorer bar
Move and resize toolbars
Customize the Standard button toolbar
Set a home page

Page 2

Toolbars

Internet Explorer features customizable toolbars to help you navigate the Web. Below are the toolbars featured in IE 5.

The Standard buttons bar displays commonly used buttons such as the Back, Forward, Stop, Refresh, Home, Search, Favorites, History, and Print buttons.

standard button bar

The Address bar displays the address, or URL, of the web page you are currently visiting. Type new URLs or search terms into the Address bar.

address bar

The Links bar is a convenient place to add frequently used links.

links bar

The Radio bar, available when Windows Media Player is installed, includes a radio station guide and control button such as "play" and "volume."

radio bar

Page 3

Status bar and Explorer bar

Internet Explorer's Status bar and Explorer bar offer additional web navigation methods.

The Status bar, located at the bottom of the IE window, indicates when a web site is found, loading, waiting for reply, or if you have a secure connection. It is always a good idea to display the Status bar, particulary for security reasons discussed in Unit 4.

status bar

The Explorer bar is a sidebar located in the left side of the IE window. It's a convenient way of accessing the Favorites list, History list, and Search function.

Explorer bar displaying the Favorites list

Click Next to learn how to show and hide the toolbars, Status bar, and Explorer bar.
Page 4

Show and Hide Toolbars, Status bar and Explorer bar

In newer versions of Internet Explorer, you can show and hide the toolbars, Status bar and Explorer bar.

To show or hide the toolbars:

Choose ViewToolbars from the IE menu bar.
Click the clear or show the checkmark for each item.

View menu with Toolbars cascading menu displayed

Right-click the toolbar and click to clear or show the checkmark for each item.

right-click a toolbar to customize toolbar display

To show or hide the Status bar:

Choose Viewand click to clear or show the checkmark.

To show or hide the Explorer bar:

Choose ViewExplorer bar.
Choose from Search, Favorites, History, or Folders.

Click on the Standard button toolbar.
Click button again to hide the Explorer bar or click the X in the upper right corner or the Explorer bar.

Page 5

Customizing Toolbars

In newer versions of Internet Explorer, you can move and resize the toolbars.

To move a toolbar:

Look for the resize/move toolbar handle.
Hover your mouse pointer over the resize/move toolbar handle.
The mouse pointer becomes a double-headed arrow.
Click and drag a toolbar up, down, left, or right.
When moved, toolbars "snap" to the outer edge of the IE window.

To resize a toolbar:

Look for the resize/move toolbar handle.
Hover your mouse pointer over the resize/move toolbar handle.
The mouse pointer becomes a double-headed arrow.
Click and drag until toolbar is desired size.

resize/move toolbar

double-headed arrow

Page 6

Customizing the Standard Button Bar:

You can further customize the Standard button toolbar by adding or removing Standard buttons. You can even change the appearance of your buttons.

Add or remove a button from the Standard button bar:

Choose ViewToolbarsCustomize from the IE menu bar.

Right-click the toolbar and click Customize.

The Customize Toolbar dialog box opens.
In the left-hand scroll box, there is a list of Available toolbar buttons.
In the right-hand scroll box, there is a list of Current toolbar buttons.
In either scroll box, click to select a button you would like to add or remove.
Click the Add or Remove button.
The button is now added or removed from the toolbar.
Click Close to display new options.

customize toolbar dialog box

To change the text options featured on your buttons:

With the Customize Toolbar dialog box open, click the Text Options drop down box to select No text labels, Show text labels, and Selective text on right.
Click Close to display new options.

To change the size of your button icons:

With the Customize Toolbar dialog box open, click the Icon Options drop down box to select Small icons or Large icons.
Click Close to display new options.

Page 7

Setting a Home page

Your home page is the first page you see when you start Internet Explorer (IE). Change your home page to make surfing the Web easier and more convenient.

For example, if you want to start each Internet session with GCFLearnFree.org, http://www.gcflearnfree.org should be your home page. If you like to check the weather every time you log on, you might prefer http://www.weather.com as your home page.

To change the Home Page:

Choose ToolsInternet Options from the IE menu bar. The Internet Options dialog box opens.

Internet Options selected on tools menu

If not already selected, click the General tab.
Type a new URL in the home page section of the General tab.
Click OK.

If you like the current page and want to set it as your new home page, click the Use Current button.
The Use Default button sets www.microsoft.com as your home page.
The Use Blank button sets a blank page as your home page. This option is beneficial to those who don't want to begin each Internet session waiting for a home page to load.
Click OK.

Internet Options dialog box

Page 8

Challenge!

Practice moving a toolbar using one of the methods descibed in this lesson.
Add two new buttons to the toolbar.
Remove any button you don't use regularly.
Change button icons from large to small.
Set a new home page
Make sure the toolbar is customized to suit your needs.

Create Your Own Blog – It’s As Easy as 1, 2, 3!

Illustration by Bill Koeb

Do you ever dream of being a newspaper columnist? Does the idea of sharing your ideas and opinions with people around the world sound exciting? Do you want to express your creativity? If so, you may want to create your own blog.

The average computer user may think it is too difficult to create a blog, or online journal, but in fact, it’s quite simple. You don’t need to know any technical terms or how to program a computer. All you need to do is follow these easy steps and you’ll be joining the blogosphere before you know it.

Choose a topic for your blog. You can write about any topic in your blog, however, successful and cohesive blogs have a general focus. For example, if you are an avid skier, scrap booker, or jewelry maker, you could start a blog that targets one of those hobbies.

Technology, politics, pop culture, music, sports – no topic is off limits. If you are interested in the topic, have something to say, and think other people would be interested in reading about it, then you could easily start a blog that thousands or even millions of people would be interested in reading.

You could also create a family blog and then share it only with family and friends. Does this sound vaguely familiar to a family newsletter? It is, but since blogs are electronic, they are often easier to produce. Additionally, visitors to your blog can add comments, making it a communication tool that allows you to stay in touch with the people in your life.

Decide how you will create your blog.

There are two basic ways you can create a blog.

Option 1: If you already have a personal or business website, you can easily launch a blog on that site by using a program such as WordPress or Blosxom that allows you to create a blog on your own website. Programs like these do require some programming skills, so if you are a computer novice or you don’t already have a website, Option 2 is definitely the easiest way for you to create a blog.

Option 2: You can use a free or inexpensive, blog creation and hosting program. Many of these web-based programs make creating and managing a personal blog easy. Some of them work quite well and do not use the obtrusive advertisements that are found on many free websites. Five easy-to-use blog creation programs are:
- Blogger
- LiveJournal
- Blogstream
- Bravenet
- Xanga
What will your blog’s web address be if you use one of these programs? If you create your blog using Blogger, one of the blog creation programs listed above, you will have to decide where you want your blog to “live” or be located on the Internet. You have two choices.
- You can create a custom URL that identifies your blog, however, it can still reside on the Blogger’s website. For example, if you create a blog and decide to call it snowskifavorites, Blogger will publish it through their hosting service and give it the URL http://snowskifavorites.blogspot.com. The other four blog hosting services mentioned above use a similar naming style that allows you to use their services to easily host your website with a custom web address.
- You can personalize your blog by registering your own domain name, and use one of these programs to create your blog and publish it to your own web address. If you choose this option, Blogger will direct your blog to the domain name you purchased. If you write a blog about skiing, you may want to purchase the domain name www.snowskifavorites.com and direct your blog to that website. Hosting a blog under your own domain name marks you as a serious blogger and gives it a more professional appearance.
Regardless of the program you choose, you will find instructions on how to create your blog on that program’s website. Most of these programs have easy-to-use tutorials that explain how to use their program to create and publish your blog. Additionally, they have services such as mobile blogging, photo sharing, and audio options you may want to consider.

Decide whether you are blogging for fun or profit. Yes, you can make money in the blogosphere. But, before you dream of all the money you’ll make, remember that there are millions of blogs and only truly dedicated bloggers with stable blogs can make a profit. People must read your blog for you to make money. This requires interesting and constantly changing content, which can be extremely time-consuming to produce. However, there are two popular ways bloggers can make money.
- Sell Ad Space: The easiest way to sell ad space is to use Google’s Ad Sense, which allows you to display up to three ad boxes on your site. Each box contains fours ads, for a maximum of up to 12. The ads are content-specific, so if your blog is about jewelry-making, they would be related to jewelry or crafts. Each time a person clicks an ad, you (and Google) get paid.
- Take Donations: If you spend all your time writing interesting and engaging blog entries and articles, why shouldn’t the people who are enjoying them share their appreciation? Many bloggers find that creating a link to accept online donations provides a little extra income. You can use programs like PayPal or Amazon Honors System to set up an online donation link.
There are many other ways you can make a profit through your blog, but all of them require you to be a dedicated blogger and attract steady blog traffic. This doesn’t happen overnight, so if you have the time to invest in it, search the Internet and read more about how to market your blog to increase traffic and make money using your blog. Remember that you don’t have to be in this for the money. With over 60 million blogs in existence today, blogging can just be a hobby that you enjoy.

You can create your own blog and join millions of people in the blogosphere sharing their thoughts and opinions on a variety of topics. Whether you want to connect with family, share a hobby, amuse people, or make a little money, a blog is a tool that can help you reach that goal. All you need is an Internet connection and the desire to express yourself. Take a look at the free or inexpensive blog creation programs discussed and you’ll see that creating a blog is as easy as 1, 2, 3!

5 Tips for Effective Internet Searches

17,100,000. That is how many results I received when I used an Internet search engine to search for a talking clock. The vague search terms I used resulted in too many off-target web pages. Obviously, I don’t have the time to look through 17 million web pages to locate the exact item I need, and I’m guessing you don’t have that kind of extra time either. That is why it is important for you to know how to use search engines effectively to increase the chance the search engine will display results that closely meet your criteria.

The following 5 tips will help you search the Internet more effectively:

Enter as many keywords as possible. Most users submit 1 to 2 words per search, which is not enough for an effective query. If you do this, you are likely to yield millions of results, just as I did while searching for the talking clock. Choose 5 to 7 keywords that narrow your search field.

Use nouns as keywords. Words such as “a” and “the”, pronouns such as “she” and “he”, and prepositions such as “over” and “to” slow down the search engine and often produce irrelevant results. Some search engines actually ignore these words. If it is important for the search, the search engine probably has an advanced feature that will allow you to include it. For example, in Google, if you need to include the word "the" in a search you can place a “+” in front of the word so that the search engine will include it.

Use exact phrases when searching. Phrases are a combination of two or more words that must appear in the documents you trying to locate. Quotation marks should surround each phrase. The ability to search for exact phrases can be extremely useful in locating material online.

Understand the Boolean Basics. “Boolean searching” is technique that can narrow your search results and increase the likelihood that relevant results will be displayed. This searching technique involves using Boolean commands, or operators. These commands are AND, OR, and NOT.

The AND command will only return documents that contain all the keywords listed. For example, if you search for “Paris” AND “Eiffel Tower” AND “Hours” the results displayed will include all of these terms. AND is the most commonly used Boolean command and most search engines use it without the user needing to type it into the search box.
The OR command will return documents that contain any of the keywords. If you search for “Nike” OR “tennis shoes” OR “Air Zoom Plus” the search engine will display documents that contain even one of these three keywords/phrases.
The NOT command will return documents that do not contain the keyword listed. If you complete the same search for Nike shoes, but this time included NOT “Air Complete Collection” the results displayed would not include any reference to the Air Complete Collection.

The key is to learn how each search engine will process Boolean commands. In addition to recognizing these three commands, some search engines automatically include the AND command in searches and process the plus (+) and minus (-) signs as another way to express AND or NOT.

Use the advanced search features. Most people use search engines by typing words into the query box, selecting the Enter button, and then scanning the results pages. This often results with millions of pages being displayed – most of which will not meet your criteria; however, most search engines do have an advanced search feature which can help you narrow the results.
Google, AltaVista, Yahoo, and Dogpile --these are a few popular search engines. I tend to use Google the most often because I like the advanced search tool and can usually find what I am looking for within the results it displays. Take the time to try several search engines and the advanced search tools for each. See which one you like the most and become familiar with how to use it.

There are billions of web pages and no formal system for organizing these pages. While search engines provide a vital service in helping you locate the web pages you need, they can only be as effective as the searches you submit. Successful Internet searches can take several attempts; however, if you use the 5 tips and take the time to learn how the search engine you choose works, you will be able to locate the information you need.

Effective Internet searches will not require you to comb through millions of web pages - the search engine should do all that hard work for you! So give several search engines a try and see which ones you prefer. Happy searching!