Getting started
The internet is a fantastic resource for learning, entertainment and communication. If you have your own PC you can get started straight away and you can either choose to make internet use part of your monthly phone bill or opt for a separate service from an internet service provider. For those who do not have a home PC, all local libraries now have internet access which is often free for members.

A web browser
This is Software, a computer programme,  that gives a user access to the World Wide Web. Web browsers provide a graphical interface that lets users click buttons, icons, and menu options to view and navigate Web pages.  Some names for browsers include Internet Explorer, Mozilla, Safari, Opera

The toolbar
Often seen at the top of the browser, has a number of buttons that make browsing faster and easier. Here is a helpful guide...

Back allows you return to pages you have viewed, beginning with the most recent.
Forward allows you to move forward through pages you have already viewed.
Stop allows you to stop the process of downloading a page from a website. Click this if you are having trouble downloading a page or if you don't want to wait.
Refresh updates any web page you have stored and may help also if you are having trouble connecting to a link.
 

Home returns you to your home page - this can be any web page you designate and can be set up in Internet Options or preferences.
Search displays a list of internet search engines.
Favourites or Bookmarks is a list of the sites you have saved; you can click on the site address to return to that site.


History displays a list of sites you have recently visited; they can be organised by categories such as date visited and most visited.
Print allows you to print the page you are viewing.

Internet addresses
When you see a string of characters starting with http:// or www. (eg http://www.bbc.co.uk) you are looking at a typical website address (also known as a URL - uniform resource locator). While clicking on the underlined links is the easiest way to get to another page, you can also type or copy and paste the address in the address bar at the top of your browser window. Be careful, because a single mistake - for example adding a space between letters will mean the browser won't be able to find the site.

Email
Email (Electronic Mail) is a quick and easy way to keep in touch with people who live far away or with those net savvy family members. Messages consisting of text are sent through a network to specified individual or group. Email messages can also carry attached files, so you can send and receive word documents and even photos.  Their are some free e-mail services available on the net enabling you to send and receive email using your web browser.

Internet Shopping
Every year, more and more people are using the internet to shop as they have discovered that shopping on the internet is fast, easy and safe.
The opportunities that the internet can offer are endless: users can purchase online and get groceries and clothes delivered to the door, complete their banking online or even book a dream holiday, a theatre trip or cinema seats. 
Purchases made online are very easy, you follow online instructions and make payment with a credit or debit card and most online shops will have the same return policies as the high street shops. 
Always check the authenticity of the site by checking its security certificate; this is always displayed prominently to make users aware it is a safe site. You may even notice that the address starts https.   or a locked padlock is shown on screen.

Searching the internet
A search engine locates resources via searches for keywords and phrases. Read the hints and help for each search engine as these will explain exactly how the search tool works.
It is a good idea to experiment with different search engines even though they are all similar, they all have important differences. 
Looking at different sites will help you to find the search engine that is best suited for your needs.

Saving or book marking your favourite sites
Adding the websites you visit the most to your favourites is an easy and a quick way of accessing that site every time you use the internet. The favourites button is located in the menu at the top of the screen, you click on to this and when asked 'add to favourites' you click on yes. Now the next time you want to visit that site you click on favourites and that website will be listed - you simply click on the website and you will be taken there. You can store as many favourite websites as you like.

Online safety
A computer virus is a program that invades your computer system, hides there and makes copies of itself. Viruses spread when you launch an infected application or start up your computer from a disk that has infected system files. Viruses can also be sent by email, so always be wary of opening email form a sender you don't recognise, downloading an attachment is a common way of unleashing a virus. It is advisable that you have a virus protection program installed in your computer to protect against viruses. Virus protection software can be found at any good retailer or as a free downloads.

IT Qualifications
Look into IT courses that lead to a qualification or that gives you the confidence to explore the internet further.  Often your local school, college or library will be able to advise on courses available in your area.