Module 1
Internet Basics
Participant’s Guide
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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
Understand how the Internet and email are related
Understand the basic concepts associated with email use
Video
Best Buy – Innovation
Note your thoughts presented in the video on Innovation
presented by Best Buy during the 2012 Super Bowl.
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
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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 –
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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?
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)
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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.
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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
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?
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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?
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
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
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Costs The price of stamps or shipping for
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:
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 CC Field: 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.
Signature
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.
Send Button
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.
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.
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
Think before you send, like any digital material. Emails can easily be
forwarded!
Review
What was the MOST important thing you learned today?
