Research Guides: Computers and Technology

Computer and Internet Basics

Glossary of Internet Terms
http://www.matisse.net/files/glossary.html

Good, basic list of Internet Terms - prints out to about 20 pages.

How Stuff Works: E-mail
http://computer.howstuffworks.com/e-mail-messaging/email.htm

Thorough description of how the Internet's e-mail system works, including SMTP and POP3.

How Stuff Works
http://computer.howstuffworks.com

Lots of clear articles about every part of a computer and many other topics

National Consumers League Technology Issues
http://www.nclnet.org/technology

A good beginner's overview from the National Consumers League that covers hot technology topics such as cell phones, online shopping, cyber security, and protecting your child online.

Online Tutorials

Mousing Around
http://www.pbclibrary.org/mousing

Palm Beach County Library's excellent class on using the computer mouse.

Learn2Type
http://www.learn2type.com

A free keyboard practice site. Free registration required.

Introduction to Windows (Camden County Library Tutorial)
http://www.camden.lib.nj.us/tutorials/windows/default.htm

A beginner's course on using Windows on your computer.

Free computer training at GCFLearn Free
http://www.gcflearnfree.org/computers

Whether you are new to the computer, returning for review or just want to gain more 21st century skills, GCFLearnFree.org has a wide range of free computer tutorials to choose from, including Microsoft Office, Apple products, and social media.

 

Consumer Guides

THE LIST
http://www.thelist.com

Large (more than 9,500) and easy-to-navigate directory of Internet access and service providers. Listed by country, state, and area codes.

McAfee Threat Intelligence
http://www.mcafee.com/us/mcafee-labs/threat-intelligence.aspx

An in-depth coverage of virus and malware information, including descriptions of viruses and hoaxes, a virus glossary, and anti-virus tips.

Symantec Security Response
http://securityresponse.symantec.com

Information on latest virus threats, security advisories,and hoaxes. Includes online virus dictionary.

Shopping and Paying From Home Over the Internet
http://www.fdic.gov/consumers/consumer/news/cnsum01/cvrstry.html

Read this FDIC publications for safe shopping tips over the internet.

Internet Crime Complaint Center
http://www.ic3.gov

The mission of the Internet Fraud Complaint Center (IFCC) is to combat fraud committed over the Internet. It is provided through a unique partnership between the National White Collar Crime Center (NW3C) and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The IFCC Web site allows consumers nationwide to report Internet fraud; enables the development of educational programs aimed at preventing Internet fraud; offers local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies training in Internet fraud; and allows for the sharing of fraud data by all law enforcement and regulatory authorities. (annotation from website)

Child Safety on the Information Highway
http://www.missingkids.com/missingkids/servlet/PageServlet?LanguageCountry=en_US&PageId=3026

Safety tips for families whose elementary-school-aged children use computer online services.