Cyber Surfing Tips
A Top source for info. on the Internet
1. Become familiar with your computer and how it
works.
Knowing how to use your browser, keyboard, and mouse
is important in order to navigate cyberspace more easily.
There are many inexpensive books and literature available
to provide help for anyone, from rank beginner to more advanced cybertechs.
There is a lot of helpful information available free
online, as well,that you can print and read at your leisure.
2. A printer is a must. If you don't think you need
one, think again. It's not an option.
3. Learn how to use search engines so you can locate
all those important pieces of data that are so dear to
you and your family.
4. Use your bookmarks. Mark favorite places online and
those you'd like to visit again so you can
return to those sites that are of special interest to
you.
5. Familiarize yourself completely with how to use
your DELETE options.
You will probably use them every single time you use
your computer.
6. Always spell check outgoing emails.
Nothing looks worse -- or less professional -- than a
bunch misspelled words.
7. "Lurk" (read messages without responding) for
awhile when joining a news group or chat room.
Try to understand the topic of discussion, as well as
getting to know the people participating.
8. Be polite and practice good cyberetiquette.
If you don't know the proper rules of etiquette for a
particular situation,
pick up a book about that, too. You'll be glad you
did, and so will those who come in contact with you.
9. Avoid insulting or offensive remarks (called
flames).
If you get flamed, don't return the fire. Do your best
to ignore the offender.
10. Writing in all upper case letters is considered
SHOUTING.
==> Dealing with Spam
First off, I hope you realize that I'm not talking
about lunch meat.
Cyberspam is another term for unsolicited commercial
email.
My personal definition is ANY unsolicited email. Spam
is a fact of life on the Internet.
It can't be eliminated, but it's annoyance factor can
be minimized.
The easiest thing to do from the beginning of your
time online, however,
is to accept the fact that you ARE going to receive
your fair share of unsolicited email,
just like everyone else does.
It's like opening your mailbox at the end of your
driveway and finding it full of junk mail.
You don't necessarily like it, but do you go stomping
into the house cursing heaven knows what,
then call the post office with a bomb threat if they
don't stop sending you this junk?
Of course not. You throw the junk in the trash, or at
the least in the neighbor's yard,
and that's the end of it. Right? (Unless your neighbor
sees you.)
I know there is nothing worse than checking your email
to find your box full of all these
great offers that are going to make you rich, or teach
you what a fool you've been for
paying Uncle Sam taxes all these years.
The bottom line is, it's junk mail just like Ed
MacMahon sends out every year... the only difference is,
he has to pay postage to get it to your mailbox and
Cyberspammers can do it free with the click of a
mouse. (I bet that makes Ed irate.)
But my whole point is -- remember the delete option.
You can make spam trash just as quick as it was born.
And really, it's easier than disposing of junk mail,
you don't have to buy plastic bags.
As when entering any new culture, following the
accepted mores will help ensure that your
first encounters with Cyberspace are exciting and
adventuresome and will minimize the
heartaches and hassles you may face as you learn to
navigate the Net. Above all, relax and enjoy!
=======================================
Doug Keller is the publisher of Business to Build
Ezine,
a "Guide for Helping Internet Newbies Make Money
Online."
Subscribe at http://www.businesstobuild.com or
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