Internet: Tips and Techniques
Generally
Don’t be afraid of your computer. Look around and see what you can do with the software. Hover over the icons and see their functions. Find shortcuts that work for you.
Definitions:
TheInternetis the hardware…the global system of interconnected computer networks while the World Wide Web is the software or application which enables it.
A Web Address (URL) has prefix (.), domain (JewishGen) (aka home organization), type of organization (.com or .org), and country (US is default). Slashes denote web pages within the main domain. Hyperlinks are blue and underlined and will automatically take you to another place either within the document (bookmark), within the web page or to another web page.
TinyURL.com is a web page which enables you to create and give a short name to a web address.
Tip #1: Hover over any icon to see its definition
Tip #2: If a response box is highlighted, it is the default and you can just hit enter.
Tip #3: To get around Internet Error Messages: try going to the home organization (domain), try using google and try the internet archive at archive.org
Browsers:
Browsers are software whose function is to browse the web; popular ones include Chrome, Microsoft Edge, Internet Explorer, Firefox, and Safari. Each Browser has many functions (startup pages, bookmarking, security etc); they just do it differently.
Tip #4: Do organize your bookmarks by subject for easy access.
Tip#5: Open all the web pages (as tabs) you need; there are many options: shortcut key (Control + tab), new tab symbol
Tip #6: Underlined Commands are Shortcuts: underlined initial letters can be clicked e.g.: Find or Save, then you can find any word on the web page by the shortcut alt + Edit, then find
Tip #7: use refresh key
Saving the Information
Decide where and how you will save information you find on the web.
Be consistent with your labeling of documents and images (surnameGiven year description). Put into folders.
Screenshots: Save the page by clicking the keys Alt/Print screen, then paste the screen into a WORD document.
Snip: Use the Snipping Tool (Windows, in accessories) to clip a portion of the screen, then paste into a document or create an image of the portion (name it well)
For MACs, use command + 3 for screenshots and command + 4 to snip an image.
Keyboard Shortcuts:
Tip #8: Check your keyboard for shortcut keys.
Tip #9: Move from open window to open window using alt + tab
Tip #10: Move from webpage to webpage using control + tab (Chrome)
Shortcuts are different for each software application. Use google to find lists: shortcuts + applicationName
Internet Explorer:
Firefox:
Chrome:
Universal Browser Shortcuts
- PressAlt + DorCtrl + Lto move the cursor into theaddress bar.
- PressCtrl key + (+ or -)to temporarily increase or decrease the size of text.Or use mouse scroll bar.
- PressAlt + left arrowto go back a page.
- PressF5orCtrl + Ror circle to refresh or reload a web page.
- PressF11to make the Internet browser screen full screen. Press F11 again to return to the normal view.
- PressCtrl + Fto open the find box to search for text within the web page you are reading.
- Press Ctrl + D to make a bookmark (MAC: command key plus D)
- MACs use the Command key + Bold, + Italicize, +New, +Print, +Quit +Reset website, +Save, + Tab, +Vpaste
Don’t send important information; don’t send important information, passwords etc.
Phishing: common fraudulent e-mail messages that mimic regular emails from companies and friends
Safety: Email is safe unless it contains a web site that you can link to, or a program (.exe) to download.
Viruses: Protect your computer fromvirusesby installing ananti-virusprogram
Tip #11: File Emails in Folders rather than keeping them all in your Inbox
Tip #12: Use Vacation Messages for vacations or change of email addresses
Google can answer almost any question by directing you to appropriate websites.
Tip #13: Use google categories: images, books, maps, news etc.
Tip #14: Use google definitions to narrow your searches: quotation marks for phrases, -for don’t include, def: site:
Tip #15: Use Boolean operators to narrow your searches: AND NOT OR and (parentheses)
Searches: be aware that google can search text and web pages but not databases.
Shortcuts: Weather zipcode; movies zipcode, airline flight#
Translations:
Bookmark Google translate:
Chrome: right click or adjust your Chrome settings for “always translate”
Advanced Browser Suggestions
Change Your Home Page to whatever works for you. Get your Browser to start with a specific set of web pages …Make your Bookmark Manager your first web page.
Clean out your history periodically
Monitor your passwords
Organize Your Workstation to be more effective and prevent Repetitive Stress Injuries
Correct typing technique and posture (forearms and thighs parallel to floor, wrists extend straight onto keyboard, don’t look up at monitor).The right equipment setup, and good work habits are much more important for prevention than ergonomic gadgets like split keyboards or wrist rests.
Take frequent breaks;set a timer; vary your tasks
Train both left and right hand to touch space bar, shift key, mouse
Listen to your body
Are you pounding the keys? Using one finger?
Video:
Educate Yourself:Local Schools, Senior Centers, Libraries (ask google)
YouTube:
Phyllis Kramer, VP,Education, JewishGen.org Palm Beach JGS December 2016 page#: 1