Excerpts

Introduction Have you ever stopped to think about the role of technology in your life? There's no doubt that today's younger generations will benefit from current and future technological advances, but today's older generations are already seeing the biggest lifestyle improvements ever. We are living longer, more active lives than our parents and grandparents. Our ancestors went from youth to middle age to old age. We, with a new mentality and the help of technology, have added an entire epoch to our lives--the Great Age! Everyone knows that the term baby boomer refers to individuals who were born after World War II. This group is generally recognized as encompassing people who were born between 1946 and 1964. The boomer's older siblings don't have a moniker associated with their generation, but along with the boomers, they are often referred to as zoomers because they are not ready to be relegated to a rocking chair. Boomers and zoomers are zooming into the latter part of their lives, zooming into technology, and zooming into everything they do. They are vibrant individuals who deal enthusiastically with all aspects of their lives. They are ready to enjoy the Great Age that they have created. About Sandy Berger's Great Age Series It's about time that someone addressed the issues that face those of us who did not grow up with computers. We are not technologically impaired. We are not dummies. And we are not about to be overlooked. It's just that we didn't learn about computers in school, so we sometimes approach the new-fangled digital world with a bit of trepidation. Can someone please tell us just what we need to know without any complicated mumbo jumbo? That is exactly what this series does. It is explicitly geared for the needs and wants of baby boomers and beyond. It will tell you just what you need to know--no more and no less. It uses the winning formula of need-to-know information, along with easy-to-understand explanations. Over the past decade, I have helped many boomers and their older siblings learn how to use computers and technology to enhance and improve their lives. I understand the needs and wants of this generation. After all, I am enjoying the Great Age myself. So I am anxious to help guide you into the world of technology where the "Great Age" is full of enjoyment and anticipation. Guide to the Internet World Wide Web, the Internet, the Net, Cyberspace: No matter what you call it, it has transformed communication and changed the way we live and work. The Internet is the technology that has most improved our lives in the last few years. Yet some still shy away. Some use email, but don't take advantage of the many benefits that the Internet has to offer. In this book, you will learn how to get on the Internet and how to use it properly. You will learn the various ways that the Internet can enhance your lifestyle. If you are already using the Internet, this book will be your guide to happier web browsing. From email to security, from spam to chat rooms, there is information here for everyone. So come on in and join the "IN"ternet crowd! What's Inside There are no special instructions for using this book. Start at the beginning, or jump around as you please. It doesn't matter if you are using a PC or a Mac. Much of this book pertains to both of these operating systems. If there are differences, they are noted. I've added a quote at the beginning of each chapter because we can always learn from others. I've also included several special features to help you in your quest for knowledge. Sandy's Tip - Sandy's Tips will give you my personal tips, tricks, and shortcuts to make life in the digital world a little easier. Lingo - The Lingo boxes will explain any high-tech terms in easy-to-understand language. Blooper Alert - The Blooper Alerts will alert you to avoid some of the pitfalls. By telling you about some of the places where most people stumble, these alerts will allow you to stay out of trouble and to feel a whole lot smarter. Trivia - The Trivia boxes are just for fun. They are tidbits of fascinating information: little things including today's factoids as well as details from the good old days. How This Book Is Organized This book does not have to be read from front to back in chapter order to enjoy the full benefits of the content; however, some terms and other details introduced in the first few chapters are relevant to later chapters. If you aren't familiar with certain concepts or terms (lingo), you might want to start at the beginning and work your way forward. The chapters are organized to take you from the basics of the Internet to the more advanced concepts and uses. Chapter 1, "Joining the Internet Community," tells you how the Internet can impact your life in positives ways and gives you the ins and outs of getting connected to the Internet using a computer or other device. Chapter 2, "ABCs of the Internet," explains web browsers--what types exist and why you might choose one over the other--and the basics of navigating the Internet. Chapter 3, "The Language of the Internet," demystifies Internet addresses (what are all those w's for anyway) and commonly used acronyms, as well as explains the symbolic emoticons that some people love to use. Chapter 4, "Exciting Things to Do on the Internet," helps you make your Internet searches faster and easier and also gives you valuable information on downloading files and shopping on the Internet. In Chapter 5, "Web Advertising and Pop-Ups," you learn how web advertising works and how to use it to your benefit. Chapter 6, "Email Essentials," explains the various email programs and how to use them. It also deals with email attachments and Internet hoaxes. Chapter 7, "Dealing with Spam," gives you a better understanding of what spam is and how to prevent receiving it in your email inbox. This is an essential part of using email. Chapter 8, "Chat Rooms, Message Boards, and Instant Messaging," shows you great ways to meet people and stay in touch with family and friends. In Chapter 9, "Creating your own Web Page," you learn about software that you can use to create your own web page, as well as types of information that you might want to share with others on the Web. Chapter 10, "Security in Cyberspace," tells you everything you need to know about safety and security. My fondest wish is that you enjoy this book and have fun with technology! (c) Copyright Pearson Education. All rights reserved. Excerpted from Great Age Guide to the Internet by Sandy Berger All rights reserved by the original copyright owners. Excerpts are provided for display purposes only and may not be reproduced, reprinted or distributed without the written permission of the publisher.