Printer
TextThe Internet
Good Starting Points
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How Does the Internet Work?
An easy-to-understand overview of the Internet and links to articles on related topics from HowStuffWorks.com. -
Learn the Net
Tutorials for beginners and more experienced Internet users.
Blogs
Blogs are online journals or commentaries on specific topics of interest to the writer.
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Blog Hosting
Create your own blog at one of these many Web hosting sites. -
How Blogs Work
An easy-to-understand overview of blogs and instructions for publishing your own blog from HowStuffWorks.com. -
Legal Guide for Bloggers
Blog without getting into legal trouble for what you post.
Communicating Online
- Chat and Instant Messaging
- Email Services
- Newsgroups, Forums and Mailing Lists
- VoIP (Internet Phone)
- Social Networking
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Chat Acronyms
Discover what AFAIK, L8R and all those other acronyms mean. -
How Chat Rooms Work
An general overview of chat rooms, how to get involved in chat rooms and more from HowStuffWorks.com. -
How Instant Messaging Works
An easy-to-understand overview of instant messaging and how to use it, along with information on providers. From HowStuffWorks.com.
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Different Types of Free Email
A nice overview of each type along with a list of links to free e-mail service providers. -
How E-mail Works
An explanation of E-mail and how it works from HowStuffWorks.com. -
Top 18 Free Email Services
Reviews of free Email services and related articles from About.com.
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Newsgroups, Forums and Mailing Lists
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Discussion Groups
To find a group discussing your favorite topic, try one of these sites: CataList, Google Groups, Tile.net or Yahoo Groups.
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How Online Social Networks Work
An overview of online social networks, how to connect with others, what to look out for and more from HowStuffWorks.com. -
List of Social Networking Websites
A sortable list outlining each site's focus or description, number of users and registration requirements.
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How VoIP Works
An easy-to-understand overview of VoIP, its advantages and disadvantages, and more from HowStuffWorks.com. -
Internet Phone Service Guide
QuickStartVOIP.com explains in nontechnical language what VoIP is, how to choose a provider and helps you choose a service plan. -
Voxilla
The latest news, information and forums on VoIP.
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Creating Websites
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Finding Images on the Web
Explains how to find images, download them and add them to Web pages. Also includes information on copyright. -
HTML Goodies — Graphics and HTML Tutorials
A collection of free tutorials from beginning to advanced level. -
MediaCollege.com — Internet Tutorials and Primers
A nice selection of free tutorials and guides on various aspects of website design. -
Streaming Video Tutorials
"How to convert video files into streaming format and serve them from a Web page," plus tutorials on various aspects of video production in general. From MediaCollege.com. -
TechTutorials
Free Web design and related tutorials for webmasters. -
W3Schools Online Web Tutorials
Learn to create websites with free tutorials on many facets of Web design and development.
Internet Service Providers (ISPs)
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Find an Internet Service Provider
Enter your zip code for reviews of DSL, cable, fiber optic, wireless and satellite Internet providers from DSLReports.com. -
Internet Provider Directory
Search geographically for a list of dial-up, DSL, cable and wireless ISPs in your area. Provided by TheISPGuide.com.
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How Wi-Fi Works
An easy-to-understand overview of wireless networks and links to articles on related topics from HowStuffWorks.com. -
JiWire
Shows paid and free Wi-Fi hotspots, along with the service providers and network names. Locations available on a sortable list or on a map. -
Wi-Fi FreeSpot Directory
Lists places that offer free, high speed wireless Internet access.
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Online Security and Safety
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Child Safety on the Internet
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FBI — Parent's Guide to Internet Safety
Offers advice for parents on how to recognize and protect children from exploitation on the Internet. -
NetSmartz Workshop
Resources for parents, guardians and teachers, and fun, age-appropriate activities to help children age 5 to 17 learn how to be safer when using the Internet. NetSmartz Workshop is a program of the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children.
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ConsumerSearch: Security Software Reviews
Provides reviews of anti-spyware, antivirus, firewall, spam filter and other types of security software and recommends suggested software features. -
Home PC Firewall Guide
Reviews of some of the best security programs for your computer, including quite a few that are free. -
How Firewalls Work
A detailed description of how firewalls protect your computer from HowStuffWorks.com. -
Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3)
Created by the FBI and the National White Collar Crime Center, this website allows you to file a complaint if you feel you've been the victim of an Internet crime. Your complaint will be reviewed and, if appropriate, forwarded to local or federal law enforcement agencies. Be sure to look at their Internet crime prevention tips and their descriptions of typical Internet crime schemes. -
Krebs on Security
Brian Krebs keeps you up to date with the latest information on viruses, software updates and other security holes in your computer. -
OnGuard Online
"Practical tips from the federal government and the technology industry to help you be on guard against Internet fraud, secure your computer and protect your personal information."
Podcasts
Podcasts are audio or video programs that can be listened to or viewed at your convenience on a computer with a media player or on a portable device. Podcasts can be subscribed to and received automatically.
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How Podcasting Works
An overview of podcasting including information on listening to and creating podcasts. From HowStuffWorks.com. -
Podcasting Tools
"A comprehensive podcasting resource detailing everything you need to know about Podcasting."
RSS
RSS, or Really Simple Syndication, is a way to receive news or updates to the information you are interested in without having to search the Web or receive e-mail. RSS feeds can be subscribed to and received automatically on computers or portable devices.
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How RSS Works
An easy-to-understand overview of RSS, RSS readers and creating RSS feeds from HowStuffWorks.com. -
RSS Readers
A lengthy list of RSS readers organized by type of computer or hand-held device.
Search Engines
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List of Search Engines
Starting with its selection of the top, general-purpose search engines, this website provides an "extensive list of the major Internet search engines" categorized by type. -
Search Engine Showdown
A guide to Internet searching containing search engine news, reviews, strategy and more.
Spam (Unsolicited Email) and Advertising
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Cut Down on Unsolicited Email
The Direct Marketing Association's DMAchoice service provides an "email preference service" that can lessen the amount of unwanted commercial email you receive. -
How Spam Works
An easy-to-understand overview of spam and how to stop it from HowStuffWorks.com. -
Pop Up Blocker Software
CNET provides a directory of editor- and user-reviewed pop up blocker programs, which can be sorted by operating system or price (either free or free to try). -
Spam Filter Reviews
ConsumerSearch provides a list of top-rated spam filters that work with your e-mail program along with reviews by experts and users and recommendations for suggested software features.
Video
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How Video Sharing Works
An introduction to sharing your videos with others online.
Website Survey 