Internet Surfing

The internet can be a huge and scary informational jungle for a non-expert.

Given the enormous amount of information that the internet contains, this is no

surprise. There are things that one can do though, to make their quest for

knowledge easier. When looking for a specific item in this cyberactive library

it is easier to have a plan, and then focus on a particular subject. Most

likely, using a search tool will be your first means of finding what it is that

you need. When using a search tool for the first time it is best to develop a

general understanding of it. First, get to know how it works, and the type of

language used when dealing with it. For example, each search tool usually has

its own unique criteria, thus making the search for information that much more

difficult. Responses to a particular query can vary greatly from search tool to

search tool. Also the same query sent by the same inspection tool may come up

with various responses from day to day, because web pages are constantly being

added, removed, and updated. You will find, if you consistently use the

internet, that things will become much less difficult for you as your experience

broadens. The very first time I used the internet I was very intimidated, and

thought that anyone who could use such an elaborate thing must be a genius. The

many search tools and the complexities of their use baffled me. Now, I zip

around the information highway like a whiz kid, and I have come to view the

whole thing as one huge library. To speed up your searches, bookmark your

favorite search tools for future use. You can also bookmark certain helpful

sites while you are searching, so that you can come back to them later without

wasting time by searching for them again. By bookmarking sites you eliminate the

risk of typing errors when the address or URL is long and complicated. When you

are in a hurry and you come across long articles it is helpful to copy the

article on the clipboard and then paste it to the word processing window to read

or print at a later time. When you are not rushed you may come back to the

article and decide which parts, if any, you wish to keep for future reference.

Some, like my father, say that the internet is the doorway to the devil. Others

say it is an impossible, confusing, and frustrating piece of trash, but I say

that when used properly it is a great tool for learning. Many times it has been

a lifesaver when I needed information quickly, and did not have the time to go

to the library. Yes, it is confusing for people who do not understand it, but

like learning to ride a bike the more you try the better you become. Suddenly

the jungle can become your backyard, and the novice can become a wizard.