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What should I do if I have a problem with my service?
Connecting to the Internet
How do I connect to NetDotCom?
What are busy signals?
Does it matter how long I am online?
Will NetDotCom ever disconnect me on purpose?
How do I disconnect?
Connection Speed
What speed should I connect at?
Why doesn't my modem connect as fast as it is supposed to?
Why doesn't my 56K modem connect at 56K?
What does v.34, v.90 and v.92 mean?
What is bandwidth?
What is throughput?
How can I connect to the Internet faster?
What is ISDN?
What is DSL?
What is cable Internet?
World Wide Web
Is the Web the same as the Internet?
How do I get to Web sites I read about?
Will I be charged extra for using some Web sites?
How come some Web pages take a long time to see?
Is there any way to make Web pages load faster?
What is a "plug-in"?
What plug-ins should I have?
How come sometimes I can't go back when I hit my browser's Back button?
How do I save Web pages that I like?
Can I print Web pages?
Can I copy text from a Web page into a word processing program?
Why do links seem to change color?
What is HTML?
What is Java?
How much personal space is permitted on my Web page?
URLs (Web Addresses)
What is a URL?
What do URLs look like?
What is a domain name?
Why do most Web addresses end in .com but others end in .net, .org, .edu?
Why do some URLs end in slashes and others end in .html or .htm?
Why do I see some URLs written starting with http:// and others with
www?
Does it matter if URLs are written in capital or lowercase letters?
How can I get a different URL for my Web site?
Finding Web Pages and Other Information Online
What's the best way to find a Web site?
How can I make search engines work better and give more accurate
results?
What's the difference between Yahoo! and other search engines?
I heard that newsgroups were a good way to get information — what are
they?
What does 'Unable to locate host' mean?
Email
What is my email address?
How do I check for my email?
What do I do with my email messages after I read them?
How can I find people's email addresses?
Can I send a message to many people at once?
Can I send Word documents in email?
Is there a maximum size for sending email attachments?
Someone sent me an attachment and I can't find it. Where did it go?
How much space at NetDotCom do I have to store email messages?
Can I get more space in my mailbox?
Can I get my email when I'm traveling?
How can I subscribe to email newsletters and mailing lists?
How can I get off an email newsletter or mailing list?
Can my friends using other Internet companies send me email?
Software
Does it matter which Web browser I use?
How do I get a newer Web browser?
What do I do when my browser crashes?
What is the best way to get new software?
What are shareware and freeware?
What are the differences between all the other
"wares" I've heard of?
Downloading
What does "downloading" mean?
What is required to download software?
Where do I go to download software?
Do I need any special software before I download?
What is a "compression" program?
What do I need to do after I download something?
How can you tell how long it is going to take to download something?
When is the best time to download software?
I downloaded something, but now I can't find it.
My browser crashed when I was almost done downloading something. Do I have to
start over?
Security
Can my computer catch a virus on the Internet?
Is it safe to give out personal information on the Internet?
What are cookies? Are they safe?
Should I change my password? If so, how often?
Can I change my password online?
What's the best way to choose a password?
What should I do if I forget my password?
What should I do if I have a problem with my service?
If you are experiencing a problem that is not explained within our Tech Support Web pages, you may call our technical support at
330-369-3617.
Connecting to the Internet
How do I connect to NetDotCom?
Using the NetDotCom Setup CDROM will automatically setup your computer to NetDotCom. In general, once the setup is complete, simply double
clicking on Internet Explorer, Outlook Express or NetDotCom Internet Dialer will automatically connect you to NetDotCom.
What are busy signals?
Busy signals occur when every available phone NetDotCom provides for subscribers to dial to connect to the Internet are in use. NetDotCom works hard to eliminate busy signals, but they are still an occasional fact of life on the Internet. You get a busy signal if too
many NetDotCom subscribers are trying to connect to the Internet at the same time. NetDotCom operates with a very low user to dial-up modem ratio, thus busy signals are kept to a
minimum. While NetDotCom will not try to limit your use or prompt you to get offline (as AOL does), you should try to be considerate of other subscribers and not remain logged on longer than you need to.
Does it matter how long I am online?
Your NetDotCom subscription gives you truly UNLIMITED ACCESS to the Internet. You will not be charged extra, no matter how long you
stay online. Common courtesy, however, dictates that you not abuse that privilege and interfere with other NetDotCom subscribers' ability to get online. So only remain connected as long as you
are actively surfing the Net.
Will NetDotCom ever disconnect me on purpose?
NetDotCom will disconnect you if you are logged on, but your system is inactive for a period of time; currently this period of
time is set to 15 minutes. As long as you are actively making use of NetDotCom's internet resources, however, you will not be intentionally disconnected.
NetDotCom will also disconnect you if you are logged on for more than five (5) hours at a time. You are free to reconnect if
you are actually actively using the Internet. This policy is to discourage users with a second telephone line to stay connected indefinitely.
NetDotCom does offer dedicated services if needed. Contact our office for more information.
How do I disconnect?
Depending on how your software is configured after closing all software that connects to the Internet you may be prompted to disconnect. If
not, disconnecting manually is very similar to connecting. You double-click on the dial-up networking connection in the system tray (a picture of two small computer screens) and then click on the
Disconnect button, just as you clicked on the Connect button to connect. .
Connection Speed
What speed should I connect at?
The speed at which you connect to the Internet is determined by a number of factors:
the speed of your modem
- the modem type and speed supported at the number you dialed
- the quality of the phone lines in your area
- sometimes the amount of traffic on the Net
Because of all these factors, your connection speed will rarely ever be the maximum speed listed for your modem.
For more information you can read this article.
Why doesn't my modem connect as fast as it says on the box?
The factors mentioned above will affect your connection speed. Again, you should not expect to connect at exactly the same speed as is
listed on your modem. For more information you can read this article.
Why doesn't my 56K modem connect at 56K?
Aside from the factors mentioned above, other circumstances prevent 56K modems from actually connecting at 56K. That is actually
only the theoretical speed of the modem; in practice, the Federal Communications Commission capped the connection speed at 53K, and real-world access is generally in the 40-48K range for
these modems. Despite these limitations, 56K modems still attain the fastest standard modem speeds currently available on the market using a standard telephone line.
For more information you can read this article.
What does v.34, v.90 and v.92 mean?
v."something" are international agreed specifications that communications equipment manufacturers must follow to insure compatibility. Much like a
dictionary defines words of a language. Misinterpretation of the spec can lead to incompatibility.
- v.34 (pronounced "V-dot-thirty-four") defines standards for modems operating up to 33.6Kbps
- v.90 (pronounced "V-dot-ninety") defines standards for modems operating up to 56Kbps
- v.92 (pronounced "V-dot-ninety-two") defines enhancements for v.90 56K modems
What is bandwidth?
Bandwidth is the amount of information that can be sent through an Internet connection. Bandwidth can be compared to a water pipe — a large pipe (a high-bandwidth connection) can carry more water (information) than a small pipe (a low-bandwidth connection).
What is throughput?
On the Internet, throughput measures the true speed of a communications channel or connection. A connection's throughput is the number of
bytes per second it can transfer. Throughput is closely related to bandwidth.
How can I connect to the Internet faster?
Many different technologies are available that allow an individual user to connect to the Internet faster. Send your inquiries through
email to service@NetDotCom.net
and we will discuss the options available through NetDotCom.
What is ISDN?
Integrated Services Digital Network. A special kind of high-speed phone service that allows simultaneous voice and data transmission
over the same phone line. ISDN lines provide transmission speeds of 128Kbps, or double the fastest modems. ISDN is being replaced by DSL
What is DSL?
DSL stands for Digital Subscriber Line. DSL is a high-speed Internet service transmitted over ordinary telephone lines. DSL splits a standard phone line into two separate communications channels. One channel is used for voice and one for data.
By moving the data channel out of the voice much greater speeds are attainable. Because the voice channel is unaffected by the addition of the DSL data channel; any features on your phone like voicemail or caller-id continue to
work like always. In addition to superior performance and reliability you get an "always on" connection to the Internet.
What is Cable Internet?
Cable Internet is a high-speed Internet service transmitted over cables used by cable television companies. Like DSL, cable Internet operates at much higher speeds than ordinary dial-up. It is
also an "always-on" service.
World Wide Web
Is the Web the same as the Internet?
No. The Internet is the global network of inter-connected computer, web servers, e-mail server, routers, telecommunications circuits and other hardware. On this hardware are stored many
different software applications. The World Wide Web is a collection Internet-browser-friendly content that is stored on this hardware.
How do I get to Web sites I read about?
Simply type the site's address (known as a URL) into the address box in your Web browser (Internet Explorer or Netscape) and press the Return or Enter key on your
keyboard. NetDotCom's Web site URL is http://www.NetDotCom.com/
(you can usually leave off the "http://" portion of a URL when you type it in).
Will I be charged extra for using some Web sites?
Not without your consent. Some Web sites require you to pay a fee to access some or all of the site's content. The site will tell you
whether you need to pay, and you can agree or simply decline and leave the site.
How come some Web pages take a long time to see?
A number of factors affect the loading speed of Web pages: the amount of text and graphics on the page, the speed of your
connection, the traffic on the Internet and at the site you're visiting, and so on.
Is there any way to make Web pages load faster?
Yes. You can surf during off-peak hours or upgrade your modem. You can also change your browser settings, to load only the text and not the pictures.
What is a "plug-in"?
A plug-in is a piece of software that adds additional functions to your Web browser. Plug-ins allow your browser to show video and animation, play audio, and perform other functions.
What plug-ins should I have?
Some of the more popular plug-ins are Flash, QuickTime, Shockwave, Adobe Acrobat Reader, RealPlayer and Windows Media Player.
How come sometimes I can't go back when I hit
my browser's Back button?
It's possible that you opened a new browser window without realizing it. Sometimes when you click a Web page link, the page instructs your
browser to display the new page in a completely new browser window. This new window sometimes covers the previous window. Try minimizing or closing the browser window you're viewing to see
whether the other window appears.
How do I save Web pages that I like?
Make sure the page is currently displayed in your browser. Then go to your browser's File menu and select Save As. Choose a place on your
computer where you would like to save the page and click OK or Save. You can also just bookmark the page in your browser to make it easy to get back to without actually saving it.
How can I save an onscreen picture to disk?
If you are using Netscape or Internet Explorer, move the mouse pointer over the picture then click on the picture using the right mouse button, (hold down the single mouse button for more than a
second if using a Apple computer). A menu will appear that allows you to save the image.
Can I print Web pages?
Yes. Make sure the page is currently displayed in your browser. Then go to your browser's File menu and select Print.
Can I copy text from a Web page into a word
processing program?
Yes. Position your mouse cursor on the page, click and hold down your mouse button, and drag the mouse to highlight the text you want
to copy (to select all the text on a page quickly, go to the Edit menu and choose Select All). Then go to the Edit menu and select Copy. Switch to your word processor and choose Paste from the word
processor's Edit menu.
Why do links change color?
Links change color to show you which links you've already clicked. The color change helps you keep track of where you've been. This
color change is configurable by the user through the browser's 'Internet Options' or 'Preferences' menu.
What is HTML, ASP and PHP?
HTML (HyperText Markup Language), ASP (Active Server Pages) and PHP are computer languages used to create pages on the World Wide Web.
What is Java?
Java is a programming language developed by Sun Microsystems which allows World Wide Web pages to contain computer programs that are executed in your
web
browser.
How much personal space is permitted on my web page?
NetDotCom provides 5 MB of space for personal Web pages.
URLs (Web Addresses)
What is a URL?
URL stands for Universal Resource Locator. A URL is the equivalent of a Web address; it tells you "where" a Web page is located, just as a street address in the real world tells you where a house or business is located. Every page on the Web has a unique URL, so the URL is all you need to find any page. Type the
URL into your Web browser's Location or Address field (depending on which browser you use), press the Return or Enter key on your keyboard, and your browser will find that page for you.
(You can also get to a page without knowing its URL by clicking to it from a link on another page.)
What do URLs look like?
Typical URLs look something like this:
http://www.NetDotCom.com/support/general_faqs.htm
The first part of the URL, before the colon, specifies the access method. The part of the URL after the colon is specific
to the access method.
The second part, www.NetDotCom.com is the Web page's hostname — the name of the computer that houses this page. It consists of a
prefix "www", a domain name "netdotcom.com",
and a optional suffix "/support/general_faqs.htm".
Most web page addresses begin with www, which stands for World Wide Web, but you will also see "home" or other words. The suffix part, "/support/general_faqs.htm", tells
the web site what specific web page you want. If you do not know the name of the name of the specific page you can leave off the suffix and almost all web servers will automatically send you a "home" or "default" web
page.
What is a domain name?
A domain name is the core of any Web address. NetDotCom.com is a domain name, so are cisco.com and msn.com. Businesses and organizations generally try to get a domain name that matches their name. This makes their URL easy to remember and their site easy to find.
There is a world wide group of companies that keep track of domain names and who they are registered to.
Why do most Web site addresses end
in .com but others end in .net, .org, or .edu?
Originally, (when the domain name system was created to replace the number system used) this part of a domain name was to signify the type of group the
name was registered to. With the explosive growth of the Internet additional names (.biz, .info, .etc) have been added to the original five.
- .com: commercial businesses (www.pepsi.com)
- .edu: educational institutions, like colleges and schools (www.ucla.edu)
- .gov: governmental agencies and bureaus (www.treas.gov)
- .mil: military agencies (www.defenselink.mil)
- .org: nonprofit organizations and personal pages (http://www.autism.org/)
Country Suffixes
A domain's suffix can indicate what country a website is in. Most sites in the United States do not have any additional suffixes, but other
countries have unique designations.
- .au, Australia
- .ca, Canada
- .ch, Switzerland
- .de, Germany
- .il, Israel
- .it, Italy
- .jp, Japan
- .uk, Great Britain
- .us, United States
Why do some URLs end in slashes and others end in .html or .htm?
Most Web page names end in .html or .htm because the pages are written in HTML (HyperText Markup Language). If the URL does not end in .htm
or .html, it likely points to a folder, or directory.
Why do I see some URLs written starting
with "http://" and others with "www?"
http://. stands for HyperText Transport Protocol, the standard method of sending information on the
Web. Anytime you see http://, you can be sure the address points to a Web page. Since
almost every URL begins with http://, they are often listed without the http://. If you enter a URL without the http:// into the Address/Location space, your browser will "assume" that
you have typed a URL and add the http:// automatically.
Does it matter if URLs are written in capital or
lowercase letters?
In almost all instances, no.
What is the URL for my personal Web site?
The URL for your homepage is determined by your username. So, if your username is "fredf", your homepage URL will be
www.NetDotCom.com/fredf. If you change your username, your email address and homepage URL will need to change.
If you would like a specific URL, one that wasn't in the form of www.NetDotCom.comt/username, then you'll need to register a domain name, something like www.myname.com or www.companyname.com.
Finding Web Pages and Other Information Online
What's the best way to find a Web site?
The easiest way is to use the search engine included on the NetDotCom Home Page. However, other Web search engines are available, some
popular ones include http://www.lycos.com/,
http://www.webcrawler.com/,
and http://www.altavista.com/.
How can I make search engines work better and
give more accurate results?
Being as specific as possible in your searches is the key to accurate results. If you are looking for new tax breaks for small businesses in
California, don't search using only "business" or "taxes." Try using all the keywords instead: "small business new tax breaks California."
Also, many search engines can utilize the "+" symbol between your keywords. Example: "+football +pizza" will only return results
containing BOTH references to football and pizza on the same page. The specific method is unique to each search. so consult their online help for details.
What's the difference between Yahoo! and other search
engines?
Yahoo! is a Web index — an online catalog that organize Web pages into categories. Each category is then broken down into
subcategories that focus on one topic or subject area. After you find a subcategory that interests you, you can browse through its pages for the information you need. Other popular search engines
include Lycos, Webcrawler, and Altavista.
I heard that newsgroups were a good
way to get information — what are they?
Newsgroups are global message boards that cover a wide range of topics. They let people with similar interests around the world to swap information, share tips, and give advice.
You can explore newsgroups by using Google.
To save computer space, newsgroup messages are automatically deleted off the servers within a few days or weeks. These older messages are recorded in Deja News,
a searchable archive of the past several years of Usenet postings. You can use Deja News to research a subject, find a newsgroup you're interested in reading, or even post your own messages to
newsgroups.
What does "Unable to locate host" mean?
It means one of three things:
- You are not connected to the Internet (you were disconnected or not online before you tried to view the web page).
- The site you are trying to access is too busy to accept anymore connections, and you should try again at a later time.
- The site you are trying to access no longer exists.
Email
What is my email address?
When you joined NetDotCom, you chose a User Name and NetDotCom Domain Name. Your User Name is combined with the selected NetDotCom domain name to form your
e-mail address. This address is unique on the Internet. Your email address is username@NetDotCom.com
Make sure your friends, family, and business associates know your e-mail address, but DO NOT tell others what your password is.
How do I check for email?
In most cases you will be using Outlook Express. Outlook Express is an an e-mail program; written by Microsoft; that is installed on your computer (either
from the NetDotCom Setup CD or from your computer vendor). You can use any compatible e-mail program you choose, However NetDotCom can only provide assistance for a certain programs.
Basic usage instructions for Outlook Express can be found here.
You can also use your web browser (Internet Explorer, Netscape, Mozilla, Opera) to read and send email by browsing to
NetDotCom Web Mail site
What do I do with email messages after I read them?
It remains in your inbox until you delete it. When you delete the message, it is sent to your Trash
folder. Depending on your email program, the message will either be deleted immediately or will remain in the trash until you empty it. You can also save a copy of the message as a text file on
your hard drive or sort it into a special email folder.
How can I find people's email addresses?
There are several online phonebooks that let you look up phone numbers, email addresses, and physical addresses for people and businesses.
Can I send a message to many people at once?
To send messages to more than one person, simply enter additional email addresses, separated by commas, in the To, CC, or BCC fields of the email message window. Be careful when sending to many people at once, many users do not like to receive large amounts of unsolicited email.
Can I send Word documents or Excel spreadsheets in email?
You can send Word documents, spreadsheets, graphics files, and even small applications as email attachments. When you attach a file to
an email message, a copy of the file is sent inside the email message. The file is automatically downloaded to your recipient's hard drive when he or she checks for new email.
Is there a maximum size for sending email attachments?
The recipient's e-mail provider controls the maximum size. NetDotCom has a limit of 10 MB on incoming emails, including any attachments. In general
attachments should be limited to 2-3 Mb per message. If you wish to send a larger attachment, it should be
compressed first. Compression programs are explained below.
Someone sent me an attachment and I can't find
it. Where did it go?
Your email program automatically saves email attachments on your hard drive and notifies you with a special paperclip icon. If someone sends
you an email message with an attached file, you can open and use the file by opening the message and clicking the paperclip icon in the message window. If your computer can open the file, it will
launch the appropriate program (or ask you which program you want to use to open the file.
How much space at NetDotCom do I have to store email
messages?
There a limit implemented on NetDotCom's system at this time of approximately 10 MB per e-mail address. When messages are retrieved from your mailbox
on NetDotCom's mail server they are transferred to your computer, freeing up the space they used.
Can I get more space in my mailbox?
Yes. Additional space is available.
Can I get my email when I'm traveling?
NetDotCom offers nationwide access to every subscriber. You can download a Dialer Wizard which contains a listing of
all available access numbers or you can use our access number finder.
How can I subscribe to email newsletters or mailing lists?
To subscribe to most email newsletters and mailing lists, you must send a message containing your name and email address to the list server e-mail
address. This special e-mail address adds you to the list. Most email newsletters and mailing lists also publish a Web page with subscription information, and many let you subscribe directly from the Web
page.
How can I get off an email newsletter or mailing list
When you subscribe to most email newsletters or mailing lists, you will receive an email that includes information on how to leave or unsubscribe from the
list. Generally, this involves sending an email containing the word "unsubscribe" to the list server, but the exact process varies from list to list. If you did not
receive an email explaining how to unsubscribe, you may be able to get the information from the mailing list's Web site or from the list's owner or publisher. Read any messages you
may have received from the owner for more information. Many mailing lists will include unsubscribe information at the bottom of every message.
Can my friends using other Internet companies send me
email?
You can receive email from people around the world — no matter what Internet service provider they use. Tell your friends to address
their message to username@NetDotCom.com
(Replace the 'username' with your actual NetDotCom username.
Software
Does it matter which Web browser I use?
If you use a well-established, updated browser like Microsoft Internet Explorer or Netscape, you'll be able to access almost any page
on the Web. These browsers can display text, graphics, sound, animation, video, and almost every other feature you're likely to find on a Web page. Some other browsers sacrifice some of these
features in the name of speed. It's important to keep in mind that most Web pages are designed to work best with Microsoft and Netscape browsers. Note is is also important to keep your web browser updated by
visiting the browser vendors website. Updates correct programming bugs, add new features and correct security issues.
How do I get a newer Web browser?
Typically, you can download newer versions of Web browser software by visiting the appropriate Web site, for example http://www.microsoft.com/
or http://www.netscape.com/, and
following the links labeled 'Downloads', 'Software', or something similar.
What do I do when my browser crashes?
Everybody's Web browser crashes or locks up once in a while, so it doesn't necessarily mean there's something wrong with your
computer. If you experience a crash but you still have control of your mouse, close all of your programs, disconnect from the Internet, and shutdown for one minute and restart your computer. Then reconnect to the Net and
restart your browser. If you're system has locked up completely, turn off the power switch, wait one minute, and then turn it back on. Keep in mind that you will lose any information you
didn't save prior to the lockup.
What is the best way to get new software?
Many online vendors allow you to download programs and try them out before you buy them. Many of these programs that you can download from the Internet are totally free of charge, while others require small payments if you keep them.
What are shareware and freeware?
Shareware and freeware are two different classifications of software that you can download from the Internet. A shareware program is one that you can use free of charge for a certain number of days; after that, you must either pay a fee to register it or remove it from your computer. A freeware program is one
that you can use as much as you want without ever paying anything.
What are the differences between all the other "wares" I've heard
of?
The following are terms for a number of different kinds of computer programs; many of them are kinds of shareware, differentiated primarily
by how (or if) you pay for them:
- freeware: Software that is absolutely, positively, no-strings-attached free. Go ahead and download it, use it, share it with your
friends.\\
- shareware: Software that you can download and try out without paying for it; if you like it and keep it, you are expected to send
in a small payment.
- demoware: Commercial software that you can test with some of its features disabled. This way, you can get a feel for the program, but you
must pay to take full advantage of the application. Also called "eval-ware."
- donationware: Instead of sending money to the software maker, you're asked to make a donation to a charity.
- postcardware: The software is free, but you're asked to send a postcard to the programmer to let him or her know how you like the
program.
- groupware: Programs that can be used by a group of people collaboratively, such as Lotus Notes or Netscape's Communicator Suite.
- shrinkwrap: Commercial software bought in stores. The term refers to the shiny plastic wrap covering the box in which the software is
shipped.
- vaporware: Software that has been endlessly talked about and promoted, but never seems to become a reality.
- warez: Usually illegal software that is sold (at a greatly discounted prices) or traded on questionable websites.
Downloading
What does 'downloading' mean?
Downloading simply means transferring files from another computer on the Internet to your own computer. Downloading is a very common way for computer users to obtain software.
What is required to download software?
All that is required is your Web browser and a connection to the Internet. Using your Web browser, you can click a link on a Web page
to download software. Such links are usually labeled clearly (they'll often say something like 'Click here to download' or simply 'Download').
Where do I go to download software?
A number of Web sites offer software you can download. A few of the most popular are http://www.tucows.com/,
http://www.shareware.com/, http://www.download.com/,
http://www.jumbo.com/, and http://www.tudogs.com/.
Do I need any special software before I download?
All you need is your Web browser. If you have run the NetDotCom setup software on the CD ROM, you probably already have Microsoft Internet
Explorer 5.5 or 6.0. It's also wise to have a compression program (see the next question).
What is a "compression" program?
Much of the software on the Internet is stored in a compressed format, which makes the software smaller and therefore faster to download. To
use a compressed file after you've downloaded it, you need a de-compression program to expand it to its normal size before you can install or use it. NetDotCom includes the popular Windows compression programs WinZip
on it's CD. The most
popular Mac compression program is StuffIt Expander. If you don't have any of these programs, you may visit one of the software sites listed above and download one.
What is required after I download something?
Often the only thing you have to do is find the downloaded file on your hard drive and double-click it to view or install it. If the
file is compressed, you'll have to decompress it first. Sometime browsers will decompress the file automatically; if yours doesn't, use one of the compression programs mentioned above to
decompress the file.
How can you tell how long it is going to take to
download something?
Sometimes the Web site you are downloading from gives you estimated download times based on the speed of your modem. Some browsers
also display an estimated time as they download a file.
When is the best time to download software?
Usually very late at night or early in the morning. Traffic on the Internet is usually much lighter during those time periods, which means
you have a better chance of getting a faster download.
I downloaded something, but now I can't find it.
Try using your computer's find function. In Windows 95, 98, Me, 2000, or XP, go to Start, Find, and Files or Folders. On the Mac, go
to your Apple menu and select Find File. Then enter the name of the file you downloaded.
My browser crashed when I was
almost done downloading something. Do I have to start over?
Most likely. Netscape Navigator and Microsoft Internet Explorer can occasionally resume interrupted downloads. The best way to find
out is simply to try it: Click on the same link you were downloading from and see if the download picks up where it stopped. A more reliable way to resume interrupted downloads is to use a
program like GetRight, which you can download from one of the software sites listed above.
Security
Can my computer catch a virus on the Internet?
Yes, but, (and it's a big but), it depends, Simply viewing Web pages, images, filling out forms (on reputable web sites) and so on is generally harmless.
Your computer can, of course, catch a virus if you download an executable program from an untrustworthy site and then, of your own free
will, double-click on it in your file manager (or Mac desktop, or...). In addition certain computer viruses can exploit security weaknesses in e-mail and web browsers to download and execute viruses without your
knowledge. Therefore it is EXTREMELY important that you install and keep updated, an anti-virus program. Simply having an anti-virus
program is not enough. You must keep it updated to be able to detect new computer viruses as they are created and released.
Is it safe to give out personal information on the Internet?
You must be very careful when sending messages through the Internet. Since each message passes through several computers, it's possible
(though unlikely) that someone other than the intended recipient will be able to intercept and read it, so you should be wary about sending personal information such as your phone or credit
card numbers over the Internet. Most sites that ask you to do so will have information on their security measures, or offer you a telephone-ordering service as an alternative.
What are cookies? Are they safe?
Cookies are small text files that certain Web sites store on your computer hard drive. These text files contain
information that YOU provided when you visited the Web site. Cookies lets sites create customized pages, online shopping carts,
and targeted ad banners. Since cookies can only be read by the site that created it, they are completely safe and secure. Webmasters can't snoop through all your cookies and
find out information about you.
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