Learning About Using the Internet

What are these things on my screen?

Your computer screen has

• a background,
• several "icons"(small pictures, about 1 inch square, that you can click on to start programs),
• an open "window" running a browser (probably Internet Explorer or Netscape Communicator) showing this web page (the text you are reading now)
• a cursor (usually a small arrow) which you can move around the screen by moving the mouse
• a task bar at the bottom of your screen with, among other things, a button for the Start menu.

What is a link?

A link helps you to move to another part of the page or to a different page (like a cross-reference (Querverweis) in a book). A link is a small area of a page. Follow the link by clicking on it. A link is often marked by a small picture or some underlined or coloured text. Some links only become visible when the cursor moves over them (the cusor changes to a pointing finger, the link changes colour, the address of the link target (Ziel) is shown at the bottom of the window).

Click on the "Back" button (in the top left hand corner of the window) to get back to where you started from.

What does "click" mean?

To click on something, position your cursor on it (by moving the mouse) then quickly press and release the left button on the mouse.

Click on this link to find out more about using the mouse.

Learning more about the Internet

Here are some links for learning about using the internet:

• What is the World Wide Web?
• Using your browser.
• WebWise is a comprehensive BBC campaign to get you feeling confident using the internet.
  
• Search Tips
• Netiquette teaches you about manners on the net.
• Writing Emails
• Some Tips for Surfing
• Read about the History of the Internet or look at the Internet Time Line
• Glossary of internet words
• Setting up an Internet Connection at Home and more info about how emails work.
• If you're stuck you can take a look at Internet Info auf Deutsch
• Try out Web Hunt 1: First Steps on the Internet for a guided tour of some resources for learning about the internet. Your teacher may have already given you this web hunt on paper.