|
Last week we discussed buying a first computer and what kind of things it should have with it. The machine and these "things" are called hardware.
Something needs to tell these peices of "hardware" what to do and when to do it (kind of like instructions). These instructions are programs and are most commonly refered to as Software ....and thus this week's beginner's corner.
For using the Internet, you'll need some special software.
For browsing the Internet's World Wide Web, look at either
- Netscape's Navigator or
- Microsoft's Internet Explorer
There are many others to choose from, but these two are the most supported and vary primarily in the look and feel of the controls. For the beginner (also known as a "newbie") these programs or "browsers" are equally intuitive.
Both complete packages contain the browser, and the software needed for email and newsgroups.
With the browsers:
- You can create Bookmarks or "shortcuts" to your favorite websites without having to type in the address.
- You can copy text from a webpage and paste it into a word processor or even an email message.
- See something on the Web you'd like to print? You can even Print webpages.
. . . .
and with that we have a holiday gift-giving recommendation.
A Printer.
Compared to just a few short years ago, printers are incredibly affordable.
For personal slash family usage. We recommend one the Canon Bubble Jet Printers.
- They're relatively
- fast
- quite
- and inexpensive to maintain.
- By this I'm talking about
- they don't need special paper AND
- The ink cartridges are not a heavy hit on your wallet.
You'll see both color and black and white varieties. If you're unsure about about which to choose, get the color.
For less than $200 you're looking at an excellent printing solution that you or the recipient will be very pleased with.
|