We looked at some of the basics of using the internet, which need to be in place to use & enjoy the Internet.
1. Workstation setup
- Stable internet connection with suitable data plan.
Computer Basics: Connecting to the Internet
- A laptop, desktop or a tablet-computer
- Web camera / microphone
- Smartphone with charger
- Earphones / headphones / speakers (Usually using a Bluetooth connection)
- Printer (optional)
- Wi-Fi connection. Wi-Fi is a wireless network to connect nearby devices with each other and share the Internet via hotspots. Internet is a global network of networks where computers communicate with each other via Internet Protocol. (Internet Protocols are a set of rules that governs the communication and exchange of data packets over the internet.) This link to Information on Internet Protocols is worth a look. Wi-Fi uses radio frequency waves to transmit data. Q What are some uses/advantages of Wi-Fi?
2. Top Tips to avoid getting caught out by cyber crooks
We will do this in 3rd session, so briefly now, with two short videos from the Australian Federal Police website - it's a good site, has lots of information.
Remote Access Trojans (RATs)
- What is the internet & where does it come from? https://edu.gcfglobal.org/en/internetbasics/what-is-the-internet/1/ watch 2 videos—1min 41Sec. 2nd video also Where Does the internet come from? 2min 51Sec https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jKA5hz3dV-g&t=112s
- Brief history and evolution. see video links below https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h8K49dD52WA&t=131s video 3mins40Sec
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cut3D2JkcrQ video 3 mins
4. Benefits of Internet Use for Seniors
- Communication, information, entertainment and learning.
We were just about to move on to browsers, and the internet slowed right down.
Brent asked about DuckDuckGo-which is a privacy focused browser, and I earlier just dismissed “What is Drop Box?”, the cloud!!- I owe you all a good chat next month.
Thank you Neville, Garry, Kathy & Brent for your contributions.
Dawn Stephens