Helpful Tips on Using the Internet

Learn to be safer and to have more fun online.

Young and old, people have turned to the Internet for information, entertainment and communication. Just like any other activity, using the Internet requires building a set of skills. Once you develop these skills, Web use becomes more enjoyable and more efficient. A few simple tips can help you along towards becoming a more skillful -- and more considerate -- Internet user.

Use Search Engine Operators

Mastering search engine operators is one of the best ways to increase the efficiency of your web surfing. Operators are special words and symbols that allow users to define search characteristics precisely, rather than just a simple entry of keywords. An example, used by favored search engines is "filetype:." This searches for files of only a certain type. Use this to search for file types like "DOC," "PDF," and "TXT" files. An example is "filetype:pdf Sony Radio User's Manual." You would use this query to search for Sony Radio user's manuals in the PDF format.

Stay Safe

Don't give away your information to the world. While the Web can seem like a friendly community, in fact it can be a dangerous place. On social networking sites like Facebook and MySpace, don't post personal information or images to the public. Restrict the ability to view these materials to your close friends. Don't post sensitive information like your bank account numbers, address, phone number or credit card information in public places online. Treat your information with as much care as you would offline.

Use Web-Based Tools

There are many powerful online tools. Some of the most favored are email applications such as Yahoo mail and Google Mail. There are other useful tools available to use, though. Try the currency converter at the Xe website, where you convert any amount in any currency into any other currency. If you are interested in "Going Green," calculate your carbon footprint at the Carbon Footprint website.

Be Respectful

The Web might feel anonymous, but there are real people sitting behind computer screens, just as you are. The practice of being polite online is known as "netiquette." An example of good "netiquette" is to refrain from posting comments or messages in all caps. When you post in all caps, it looks like you are shouting. Remember, when communicating through email or over online forums, humor doesn't always translate very well -- especially sarcasm. So be as clear as you can possibly be with each comment, post and message online. Your fellow Internet citizens will thank you for it.

References

• Internet101.org; Internet Basics; 2011

Resources

• GoogleGuide; Advance Operators Reference; Nancy Blachman et al.; 2008
• Boolean Strings Network; Bing Operators; Irina Shamaeva; September 2010
• Ilium Software: Keep Your Money and Info Safe Online
• XE; Universal Currency Converter; 2011
• Carbon Footprint; Carbon Footprint Calculator; 2011
• Albion.com; The Core Rules of Netiquette; 2011