Module 1 Internet Basics Participant s Guide
Module 1: Internet Basics Objectives By the end of this training, you will be able to: Computer & Internet Basics Know the basic components of a computer and how to use them Understand terms associated with Internet use Open and use an Internet browser at a basic level Understand basic browser settings and how to change them Internet Search Describe various Search Engines and how they are used Conduct basic searches using common search sites Feel comfortable searching for a topic of personal interest Communication Video Understand how the Internet and email are related Understand the basic concepts associated with email use Best Buy Innovation Note your thoughts presented in the video on Innovation presented by Best Buy during the 2012 Super Bowl. 1 P a g e
Outside/Inside Parts of a Computer A computer is an electronic device that manipulates information or data. It has the ability to store, retrieve, and process data. What is the difference between a desktop, a laptop and a tablet? Understanding the components of a computer and how each one works effectively together is important to knowing how to use a computer. Write in the correct description of each of the following components: External Components The following items are computer components that are external to the computer. Connect the computer term on the left, with the correct definition on the right. Computer Case Most basic way to enter information into the computer Keyboard Where all the computer parts are kept Monitor Used to move around a computer screen 2 P a g e
Mouse How we see what s happening in the computer 3 P a g e
Internet Terms The Internet is a huge collection of computers around the world. These computers are all linked together and they can talk to each other, sharing information. There are many terms associated with the Internet. Let s examine the most commonly used terms. Complete the definitions below by filling in the missing term: An network of computers all connected to each other The most popular part of the Internet. It is viewed through software called Browsers. Software that allows a user to view or experience the Internet. Usually free. Examples include: Internet Explorer, Mozilla Firefox, Google Chrome, Apple Safari Uniform Resource Locator: the address of a computer or website on a network Where individuals can send digital messages to one or more people all over the world Internet Service Provider: Companies that provide access to the Internet and the World Wide Web for a monthly fee. A term used to describe high-speed internet connections. How your computer connects to the Internet. URL What is an example of a URL? Write one below: 4 P a g e
Internet Uses The Internet allows us access to a variety of sites that affect the many things we do. For example, what are some of the things that can be done, listed below? What other uses can you think of? 5 P a g e
Internet Browsers Browsers are a free package that allows the viewing of web pages, graphics and most online content. They are specifically designed to convert HTML and XML into readable documents. Deciding on which browser to use depends on what you will be using it for. Take into consideration speed, security and capabilities. If you don t care much about customizing it probably makes sense to stick with the latest versions of the default Internet Explorer on Windows, or Safari on Macintosh. All browsers are free to download, so you can try each of them out and use whichever one you prefer. The following are the most common browsers: Internet Explorer Mozilla Firefox Google Chrome Safari (Apple) 6 P a g e
Activity: Opening and Using Internet Explorer Locate the Internet Explorer icon. Open the Internet Explorer (IE) browser window by double-clicking on the IE icon. Note the look of the browser window. The Browser Window Search Engines Search Engines are designed to quickly sort through millions of pages across the web to find matches to the query typed in the Search field. Some of the more popular Search Engines are listed below. 7 P a g e
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Activity: Opening and Using Internet Explorer 1. IE will open. In the address line, type: www.google.com 2. The Google website will be displayed The Search Engine Window Note what is the same and what is different from a browser window. 9 P a g e
Activity: Common Search Engines There are many search engines on the Internet that sort through literally millions of pages in its database to find matches to the query. How many different search engines can you find? Using www.google.com, search for the most popular search engine sites. How many different types of search engines did you find? What are some of the similarities and differences? Activity: Using Different Search Engines Conduct a search using different Search Engines to see how results might vary. In the search bar, search for your home town or city s web page. For example: City Name, State Which Search Engines did you use? Which one did you like most? Why? 10 P a g e
Activity: Conducting a Search Use the Google Search Engine and conduct a search for your city s web page, if available. Navigate the page and click on various links to find information. If available, answer the following questions about your city: What was the URL for your city s web page? When was it founded? What is the population? How can you contact City Hall? Is there anything unique or interesting about your city, past or present? If there is a menu list, what are some of the other city links available? For example, are there links to emergency services, parks & recreation, other city departments, etc.? List a few. Name three or four of your City Officials, including the Mayor. Did you find out anything you didn t know before? 11 P a g e
Communication: Email vs. the Internet What is the difference or relationship between Email and the Internet? Email is short for: Email uses the to send messages. Basic Email Concepts Email is a method for exchanging digital messages from one person to another; to one or more recipients. Email is a fast, easy, and inexpensive way to communicate with family and friends. Basic Email Concepts: To use email, you must have a computer and an Internet connection You must have an email address Traditional Mail Email Address Michelle Smith 202 Main Street Raleigh, NC 27601 Delivery Your envelop or package is delivered by a mail carrier Received in a home mail box or post office box Your digital message is delivered electronically across the internet through various servers Received online in the Inbox of your email service provider (Gmail, Yahoo, Hotmail, etc.) Time Average of 2 days for standard letters Average of 3-10 days for packages Contents May include packets with documents or packages with larger items May include attachments for digital documents, files, images, video and more 12 P a g e
Costs The price of stamps or shipping for larger items 1 P a g e
Creating Email Note the key areas of an email: Tool Bar Where you can adjust your fonts (font type, size and color), format the email, maintain an address book, add attachments such as files and pictures From Field: Who is sending the email To Field: CC Field: Who is receiving the email. *Note that more than one person can be listed here. Most email programs require you to separate names using a semi-colon or comma Carbon Copy other people on the email. Explain that if someone is CC d, then it is just to inform them, no reply required Subject Field: What the email is about, the topic of the email Email Body Where you type your message. Email Signature Send Button Can be created so that it appears on all your emails. You should always sign your emails by setting it up to be added automatically, or by typing your name at the end of each email you send. When you have completed writing your email in the Email Body and you are ready to send it, click on the Send button. Email travels fast and will arrive almost instantly. 0 P a g e
Replying to Email When you receive email, what are some actions you can take with the email: Reply: Reply All: Forward: Junk: Delete: Email Basics Watch the short video and take notes on the basics of using email. Write any questions you may have after the video is over. 1 P a g e
Email Safety and Etiquette You will have to maintain your email box Why delete a message? Why archive a message? Email safety tips Always your email account when using a public computer Do not open up an email from someone Do not click on links within the email unless you are certain of the URL Remember, not everything is true! Hoaxes and viruses are sent via email regularly P (fraudulently acquiring sensitive information) can appear to come from your bank, ebay, Visa, etc. buy are really coming from someone trying to gain your personal information Email Etiquette Include a courteous greeting and closing Always use and use proper sentence structure Include all relevant details and information Refrain from using Always acknowledge emails in a timely manner Make sure the includes the appropriate information Do not use (it will appear as if you are yelling!) 2 P a g e
Think before you send, like any digital material. Emails can easily be forwarded! Review What was the MOST important thing you learned today? For Further Information Check out Jerseyon.org for additional resources and continuous learning! Find help learning how to search for jobs, create a resume and send through email, use video chat to connect with distant friends or family, learn how to save money shopping online, and much MUCH more! 3 P a g e