Baby Steps Through Cyberspace
Step 6: What Is It Good For?
 
 
 
 

Downloading Files
Downloading simply means to move files from the Internet onto your own computer. You can download complete software programs, music, pictures, upgrades for your software, movie trailers, and more.

Here are some things to keep in mind when downloading files:

  • Stick to trusted sites - You are less likely to pick up a virus if you only download files from reputable providers.
  • Follow on-screen instructions - Most sites will guide you through the process. Pay attention to WHERE you save downloaded files.
  • Be aware that large downloads (like a browser) may take hours over a dial-up connection.
  • Be selective about your downloads. Your computer can become cluttered rather quickly with unwanted files.
  • Download and install upgrades for your most important programs. It helps avoid conflicts that may arise in the future.

Popular Uses of the Internet
It is impossible to list all the uses of the Internet here, but some of the most popular uses are:

E-mail - Some web-based email providers are:

  • Yahoo mail
  • Lycos mail
  • Juno
  • Hotmail

Job Search - There are a number of sites to locate job offerings nation-wide.

Instant Messaging - Communicate with friends and family in real-time

  • America Online Instant Messaging
  • Yahoo Instant Messaging
  • Microsoft Instant Messaging

Distance Learning - There are an increasing number of colleges (and high schools) offering courses online. There are even entire online universities!

Reference - If it is in an encyclopedia or dictionary, you can find it on the Internet.

Online Banking - Check with your local bank. You can probably do much of your banking from your computer.

Investments - You can trade stock and manage your investments on the web.

Travel Information - You can buy airline tickets, reserve a rental car, get driving directions, and even take virtual tours of travel destinations from your computer.

  • Expedia - Microsoft's Travel Site
  • Travelocity - One of the best travel reservation and resource sites

Auctions - If you have been searching for a hard to find item, it's probably available in an online auction. Online auctions are great places to sell those valuables at home that may have a small market.

  • Ebay - The first, largest, and probably the best online auction site

Medical Information - You can find a tremendous amount of medical information online. Here is one with a good reputation:

Family - There are many excellent sites for children. If your kids like Disney, they will find something they like on the web site.

Shopping Assistants - There are even sites that will scour the web for the best buys on merchandise. Here is one respected shopping assistant:

Bible Resources - One of the greatest potentials of the Internet is to make the Bible and biblical resources easily available.

  • WELSnet - The synod's official website has a tremendous amount of Bible information in addition to a wealth of information about what's happening in the synod.
  • Bible Gateway - An online, searchable Bible in many different languages and a variety of translations.

Games - If you like games, there are numerous places to find them. You can even play against someone online. Here are a couple to check out:

Music - The status of online music is going through some changes, but there is still great potential for finding recorded music online.

Usenet - Find a group to discuss just about any interest that you might have.

Radio - Listen to radio stations from around the world on the Internet

Computing - The Internet is an invaluable resource on anything to do with computing. Here are a couple of sites to check out:

Recipes - If you like to cook, you can find the recipe for just about anything on the Internet.

 

 
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
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