What is the Internet?

The Internet is a world-wide network of computers formed from many many interconnected networks which enables its users to communicate and find information from around the world for the cost of a local phone call. The mouse is the main tool for web browsing, the keyboard is used for typing search details into search engines or for filling in online forms and questionnaires.

How do I surf the web?

Most well written web pages with a good degree of content are likely to have links to associated pages of related topics. Links may appear as one of three different visual cues:

The Hypertext link -

This type of link is the most readily recognisable. It consists of a short line of text or even a singular word which is highlighted in a contrasting colour and may de underlined depending upon the configuration of your web browser.

Image link -

This type is less obvious. By placing the mouse cursor over the image for a second or two, a small box with the link name may be displayed. The mouse cursor may also change into a hand shape to indicate that the picture may be clicked upon.

Button link -

These links are not as common as the above styles but their purpose is quite clear as they are visually identical to buttons on your computer's applications.

Guide to your Browers

Modern web browsers are equipped with a toolbar of commonly used actions. Some popular actions are...

HOME -

Clicking on the HOME button on the browser bar will return you to the OLCS home page.

BACK -

Clicking on the BACK button when it is highlighted, will take you back one link or page. Usually to the previous page which you have accessed.

RELOAD -

In some instances, your desired web page has not loaded completely or it's loading was interrupted. By clicking this button, your web browser will re-retrieve the web page.

Searching the Web

The search engines can be found by double clicking on the Getting Started image on the Home page. Once the Getting Started page has been displayed, click on the Search engine image. A list of search engines will be displayed, select a search engine by clicking on the relevant title. The search engine will appear after a few moments. Search engines vary in the method of working but basically the subject is typed into a box and then the search is initiated. Lists of related web pages will be depicted for you to select. The pages will be in a hypertext format and will be available by clicking on them.

Favourites & Bookmarks

If you come across a web page of particular interest the address can be stored in your FAVOURITES list, just click on FAVOURITES on your browser and select the store option or click on BOOKMARKS and select the add to bookmarks option, depending upon which web browser you are using.

Printing

A web page can be printed out by clicking on the Printer Icon. If you need to reference this page then print it out.