Class Description /  Class Outline / Class Handout /Internet Links / Library Resources /Glossary of Computer Terms / For Additional Help

Class Description

A more in-depth look at what you can find on the Internet, using the Williamsburg Regional Library (WRL) website, www.wrl.org as a starting point.

Class Outline 

Introduction to the WRL website

The WRL "Recommended Websites" Page

Overview of the Internet Explorer Web Page

Book-marking your favorite websites

 Changing your homepage to something you like

Class Handout 

Introduction to the WRL website 

You will learn about a wide variety of services offered by WRL through its website including:

• Information Resources:  In this section you will learn about the various information resources that we provide, including Readers and Books, Online Databases, Internet Instruction, and our "Ask a Librarian" online Reference services.

• Library Services: In this section you will learn about the various services that WRL provides, including interlibrary loans, references services, FAQs, and our local organization directory.

• Programs and News:  Learn about the many concerts, exhibits, and live theatre events that go on at the library and learn how to find the library's calendar of events.

The WRL "Recommended Websites" Page

On this page you will learn about a variety of important resources that can be found on the Internet, including:

• Community Resources: Learn about some important local community resources that you can find online including the James City county website and the Virginia state website.

• Medical Resources: Find valuable medical resources that you can find online including MedlinePlus website.

• Search Engines: Learn about search engines and the various ways that you can use them to find information on the Internet.  Several search engines will be highlighted in the class including Google and Yahoo.

Overview of the Internet Explorer Web Browser

In this section of the class, you will learn about the basic parts of the Internet Explorer web browser which is the tool that you use to search the Internet.

• Menu Bar: At the very top, this bar is your "command and control center" where you can manage your lift of favorite websites and change your home page

• Tool Bar:  This bar which you will find below the menu bar is made up of menu buttons that make it easier to surf the web; it includes the home key, the refresh key and the back and forward keys and it is fully customizable.

• Address Bar: Includes a space where you can enter and see a web page address that identifies where you are on the Internet; in the class you will learn a shortcut to get to your favorite business websites.

• Scroll Bar: by moving this bar which is on the right side of the screen you can move up and down on a web page, which can be done by either clicking and dragging the bar itself or you can click on the up or down arrows at the top and bottom of the scroll bar.

• Task Bar:  this bar indicates everything that is open on your computer and by clicking on the tabs in this bar you can switch from one program to another and close unwanted programs like pop-up ads.

Bookmarking Your Favorite Websites

A bookmark or favorite is a shortcut you create that lets you go directly to a favorite website without having to enter its web address or search for it on the Internet; you can do it by clicking on "Favorites" in the menu bar and selecting either "add to favorites" to add a link or "organize favorites" to organize your favorite into a topical folder like "news" or "shopping."

In this class, the bookmarking process will be demonstrated by the instructor and then the class will be guided in practicing it themselves.

Changing Your Homepage to Something You Like

A homepage is the first page that you see when you load the Internet.  To change your homepage, first go to the website that you want to make your homepage.  Choose a website that you like and that you use frequently.  Once you find a website you like, go to the menu bar and select "Tools- Internet Options - Home Page - Use Current."

In this class, the process of changing a homepage will be demonstrated by the instructor and then the lass will be guided in practicing it themselves.

Internet Links

Basic Guide to the Internet

http://www.bedford.lib.nh.us/Search.htm

Internet 101 Beginners Handbook

http://netforbeginners.about.com/cs/internet101/a/inet_handbook.htm

HelpWeb Guide to the Internet

http://www.imagescape.com/helpweb/welcome.html

Internet Public Library's Internet Guide

 http://www.ipl.org/div/subject/browse/com50.00.00/

How the Internet Works

http://computer.howstuffworks.com/internet-infrastructure.htm

Searching the World Wide Web

http://library.albany.edu/internet/internet.html

Library Resources

Glossary of Computer Terms

For Additional Help

Ask a Reference Librarian

WRL computer volunteers: call 259-4050 for the latest volunteer schedule 

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