Since everyone is coming to this class with different computer experiences, we're listing a couple of pre-class Internet activities.

Activity 1: Download a Browser
You need a Web browser such as Internet Explorer 5.0+ or Netscape 4.0+ or AOL 5.0 or 6.0 to participate. If you already have this software loaded on your computer, you're ready. Otherwise download Internet Explorer from http://www.microsoft.com/ie/ or Netscape from http://home.netscape.com/try/download/index.html.

Activity 2: Practice Using the Browser

If you have surfed the 'Net quite a bit and know how to manage bookmarks, how to read a URL, etc., skip Activities 2 and 3.

webTeacher Tutorial
Learn browser basics, how to use bookmarks, and how to read URLs.

Explore the University of California, Berkeley Library Netscape Essential Guide describing the following buttons of your browser.

Practice using these buttons if you are not familiar with their functions: back, forward, reload, edit, bookmark or favorite places, and inserting file folders for bookmarks/favorite places.

If you are using Internet Explorer, check out the Internet Explorer in the Classroom tutorial or Internet Explorer Tutorial.

What if the tutorial uses some unfamiliar words?

The following glossaries and FAQ may be useful.
Glossary WWW, Net Searching and Netscape Jargon
Frequently Asked Questions
NetLingo
Glossary of Internet Terms

Activity 3: Internet Basics
(You may choose any one of the following tutorials.)

If you are somewhat new to the Internet, take time to review one of the following online tutorials.

webTeacher Tutorial
Learn how to send and receive email and attached files.

Bk2Skol Lessons 1-6
The first six lessons on this tutorial are good for people with little or no Internet experience.

CyberU Internet Basics
This tutorial was designed by Art Wolinsky at Southern Regional High School in New Jersey as a tool to help students and teachers learn about the Internet.

LearntheNet
Click on Master the Basics to learn about how to set up your modem, how to adjust your computer monitor for the best results when surfing, how to get the most out of your browser and how to speed up download time.

What is the Internet, the WWW, and Netscape?
Excellent, one of the best tutorials on the Internet from University of California, Berkeley

Activity 4: Virus Protection
Must-Read... article
The Skinny on Computer Viruses

Rob Rosenberg compiles and updates a list of the latest computer virus myths and hoaxes.

Symantec's Anti-Virus Research Centre
The best source of information about current virus information.

IBM's Antivirus Research Center