Links for Computer Basics Class
Last weekend’s classes on Computer Basics (aka “Make Friends with Your Computer”) and the Internet went really, really well, and I did promise to post some reference links to help everyone continue learning about all this geek stuff. And here they are!
- Wikipedia: http://www.wikipedia.org/
This site is an online encyclopedia that anyone can post content to. The advantage is that there are tons of articles about more strange and bizarre stuff than you can imagine. The disadvantage is that you cannot always trust that what you find there is unbiased or accurate.Recommendation: Add this to your bookmarks and use it as a reference for information only. If you need to cite a credible source, check the bottom of the page for sources and references, then use those references as appropriate.
- Webopedia: http://webopedia.com/
This is a great site for anyone who needs geek terms translated! They even have a “word of the day” e-mail subscription list! When the techno-babble gets thick, this is the place to go! - NetLingo: http://www.netlingo.com/
Another online dictionary for geek terms, complete with their own “word of the day” e-mail subscription list. Includes reference pages of e-mail and text messaging shorthand and chat acronyms, plus other good information for parents. - CNET: http://www.cnet.com/
Think of it like Popular Mechanics for the digital age. News, reviews of software and hardware, buying guides for everything from laptop computers to digital cameras and MP3 players. Before you buy another gadget, spend some quality time at this site! - Symantec Security Check: http://security.symantec.com/
Before you freak out and convince yourself that your computer has a virus or has been turned into a digital zombie, get the facts! Provides a free security scan (to tell if your firewall is doing its job) and a free virus scan (to find out whether or not your computer really does have cooties).Note: This is not a replacement for keeping your virus protection software up to date! This is only a way to double check to see if there really is a problem.
And just for fun…!
- Apple Movie Trailers: http://www.apple.com/trailers/
Computing isn’t just about work, and if you enjoy movies this is a great place to find out about films that are out now and about titles that haven’t hit the streets yet. Enjoy!
There are tons of other web sites I could list here, but these will get you started. If you have specific questions, or if something listed here is stumping you, contact me. I’ll do my best to get back to you quickly.
Have fun!
~B~