General
Internet--
understanding the basics
Information for learning the Internet is available
directly online in the form of tutorials. These tutorials provide good
teaching formats that breakdown skills according to learners needs.
Learn
the Net
Beginners
Central
Internet
101
Novices to the Internet may prefer working with
an instructor whom they can directly ask questions. The North Carolina
community colleges offer continuing education courses covering Internet
Basics. In addition, NC community colleges offer a course titled
Introduction to the Internet, CIS 172, which is a full credit course available
online (class instruction provided via the Internet).
North Carolina
Community College home page
Similarly, short Internet training sessions at Senior Centers and Learning
Centers affiliated with SeniorNet.com.
Listing
of Learning Center locations in South
Web Browsers--
software programs for accessing
the web pages
While there are many different web browsers available,
Netscape Navigator and Microsoft Internet Explorer are the most popular.
Each is available free to download.
Free
Netscape Navigator (included in Netscape Communicator)
Free
Internet Explorer
Browser
Basics (information for using either Netscape or Explorer)
Tips for using Netscape Navigator:
Configuring
Netscape Navigator
Accessibility
shortcut features for Netscape Navigator 4
Tips for using Microsoft
Internet Explorer:
Accessibility
shortcut features for Microsoft Internet Explorer 4
Accessibility
features for Microsoft Internet Explorer 5
It is also important to be aware that Netscape
Navigator and Microsoft Internet Explorer are not the best browser choices
for everyone. The following are examples of accessible browsers, including
browsers designed specifically for persons with disabilities. The
accessibility capabilities vary, many include a built-in voice that reads
the text of a web page.
BrookesTalk
(free demo available)
EIAD
Touch Screen
IBM
Home Page Reader (free demo available)
MultiWeb
(free download available)
Opera (free
download available)
pwWebSpeak
(free demo available)
Sensus
Simply Web 98 (free download
available)
VIP Browser
(free demo available)
Screen reader software can also be used for navigating
a text on a computer screen proving speech or braille output. In
addition to other computer applications, this can be applied to web
browsers. Examples of some screen readers include:
Jaws for Windows
(free demo available)
HAL
(free demo available)
Window-Eyes
(free demo available)
For a more thorough overview of alternative methods for accessing the
web, explore the following collection of pointers and examples.
Alternative web
browsing
Using Email--
sending messages electronically
Email
basics
Email programs built into popular browsers:
Using
Microsoft Outlook Express
Using
Netscape Messenger
Options for free web based email:
Yahoo
Hotmail
Netiquette--
the necessary social skills
Basics
Guidelines
(comprehensive guide)
Safety on
the Internet--
surfing and communicating
safely
Because the Internet is part of "real world," real world safety precautions
must be honored. The Internet is not regulated by anyone, which opens the
door to some risks. Not all information that appears may be accurate. Also,
just as people in person can be rude, obnoxious, and exploitative, the
anonymity of the computer allows them to be even more so, if they choose.
When learning and teaching new users about the Internet, the following
safety rules should be reviewed.
Safety Rules for the Internet
-
Never give out identifying information
such as home address, SSN, or telephone number in a chat room, discussion
board, or on an unsecured site.
-
Decide whether you want personal
information such as age, marital status, or financial information revealed.
-
Never arrange a face-to-face
meeting alone with someone you met over a computer. Only arrange
to meet in a public place.
-
Never respond to messages that
are suggestive, obscene, threatening, or make you feel uncomfortable.
-
Remember that people online may
not be who they say they are.
-
Remember everything you read
may not be true.
|
Filters
Various software tools are available to assist
with filtering certain incoming content and blocking certain outgoing information.
GetNetWise
Tools (a good resource for selecting from various safety software options)
Other links discussing safety:
GetNetWise
Internet
101 Safety
Designing
Web Pages--
learning the skills of hypertext
markup language
Make a web page online:
Tripod
Site Builder
Web pages can be created with an WYSIWYG (what you see is what you get)
editor. This means that you design your page visually, as if you
were using a word processor, instead of writing the markup tags in a plain-text
file. Examples of popular editor tools include Netscape Composer
(included free in Netscape Communicator), Macromedia's Dreamweaver, or
Microsoft's FrontPage.
Netscape
Composer: Web Authoring
FrontPage
98: Creating a Web site
FrontPage
2000: Creating a Web site
Dreamweaver
HotMetalPro
(often recommended for its accessibility features, free evaluation download
available)
A web page designed with a WYSIWYG editor still
uses hypertext markup language (HTML), the editor just writes the HTML
for you. Eventually, a web author will benefit from learning at least
the basics of HTML, especially for ensuring that a web site accessibility.
NCSA's
Beginner's guide to HTML (printing, downloading, and photocopying
for non-profit use!)
HTML
interactive tutorial
Making
sure your web pages are Accessible--
Accessibility for all users and all browsers
must be sought when designing public web pages.
Basic
overview
Accessibility
Guidelines
BOBBY-accessibility
validation tool
Lynx It-a tool to
check how your site reads without graphics
Online course for web designers to learn about accessible design
is available through the html writers guild
Adaptations and Assistive Technolgy
for computer use
Technology is constantly expanding. Access for all persons is
becomign easier and easier. The following links are recommended to
stay current regarding access fro persons with disabilities:
WebABLE
Microsoft Accessibility
home page
Apple Disability
Resources
IBM Accessibility Center
Sun Microsystems Accessibility
Program
The Trace Center at Univ of Wisconsin
For consulting and borrowing assistive technology in North Carolina:
Generations/Tadpole
Check-It-Out Equipment Loan
programs
NC Assitive Technology
Project
Partnerships in Assistive Technology
Public Access
Locations in NC
Public libraries are quickly becoming a dependable
place across NC to find computers linked to the Internet. Both metro
and rural libraries offer public access to the Internet. Similarly NC Community
Colleges provide opportunities for the public to use computers linked to
the Internet. Many Senior Centers are now becoming locations for
older adults to access computers linked the Net. Internet access
is now also provided in some NC malls and other retail locations.
Partial
listing of NC public libraries
North Carolina
Community College home page
Senior
Internet training locations
Free Internet
Service Providers in NC
Internet access can be achieved with a computer,
a modem and an Internet Service Provider. More and more ISPs are
offering FREE services in NC. If opting to use a free service
provider, check to make sure the provider offers a local access number
is available in your area.
This market is constantly changing. Many of the companies orginally
listed on this site have gone out of business. Often companies provide
free access in exchange for palcing an advertising banner on user's browser
screen. Howeever some companies provide free access without banners.
A list of free Internet providers and services is available at:
freedomlist.com
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UNC-CH ATN Newbies-U
Internet 101