TECHNOLOGY

The Internet can benefit all ages

You are never too old to enjoy the Internet says our technology expert, Peter Henwood

Computer technology - love it or loathe it, the simple fact is that it will continue to affect our lives. The current buzz in the technology world is, of course, the internet.
In essence, the internet comprises of a vast world wide network of computers that can access information from each other. The usefulness of the internet depends upon what individuals actually place on these computers to share with the rest of the world.
The internet has several major functions. This month we will examine perhaps its prime function; the distribution of information via the World Wide Web. For those who seek knowledge on almost anything known to mankind you can find it on the net. The internet allows for up-to-date knowledge to be available at your fingertips - what can be lacking is the depth that this knowledge encompasses.
The knowledge of course is not all dry boring academic stuff suitable for students and intellectuals. Much of what is published on the net is there for entertainment purposes or to supplement hobbies and interests. The scope is endless. For those wishing to stay in contact with the wider world most of the major Australian and World newspapers now publish daily electronic versions of their printed media.
So what do you need to get on the net. Apart from your home computer you will need a modem, to connect phone lines, an account with a service provider such as topend.com (the local call access provider in Tennant Creek), and some special software. A web browser such as Netscape or Microsoft's Internet Explorer has the basics to get you started. Microsoft bundles their browser with Windows software and both browsers are provided with the Macintosh OS. Netscape now release their browser for free.
For the novice, getting hooked up for the first time can be a little overwhelming, but help is at hand: for Windows users from the guys at Prospect Computing next to BP Tennant Creek, and for Macintosh users from Peter Henwood at Tennant Creek High School.
Is it worth the cost? Access to the net is about $2.00 per hour, plus your telstra charges per call. Still unsure? A great way to see what the hype is all about is to call into Tennant Creek's Cyberkafe located at the high school. It is open to the general public after school hours and on weekends. For two dollars per hour you can explore the net and decide if you want it at home. For the occasional information seeker the Cyberkafe or town library offer great access facilities.
There are some limits with accessing the net. If you have only one phone line while on the net you cannot use the telephone and people cannot ring you, although this could be blessing in disguise. Information is of course only one part of the net. Email, live chatting, on-line gaming and of course internet commerce will be discussed in this column in the months ahead.
The net is constantly changing and this is one of its great strengths, apart from its constant growth. There is always something new to see, read or do on the net. Remember you are never too old to try something new. See you on the net.

The Internet can benefit all ages You are never too old to enjoy the Internet says our technology expert, Peter Henwood Computer technology - love it or loathe it, the simple fact is that it will continue to affect our lives. The current buzz in the technology world is, of course, the internet. In essence, the internet comprises of a vast world wide network of computers that can access information from each other. The usefulness of the internet depends upon what individuals actually place on these computers to share with the rest of the world. The internet has several major functions. This month we will examine perhaps its prime function; the distribution of information via the World Wide Web. For those who seek knowledge on almost anything known to mankind you can find it on the net. The internet allows for up-to-date knowledge to be available at your fingertips - what can be lacking is the depth that this knowledge encompasses. The knowledge of course is not all dry boring academic stuff suitable for students and intellectuals. Much of what is published on the net is there for entertainment purposes or to supplement hobbies and interests. The scope is endless. For those wishing to stay in contact with the wider world most of the major Australian and World newspapers now publish daily electronic versions of their printed media. So what do you need to get on the net. Apart from your home computer you will need a modem, to connect phone lines, an account with a service provider such as topend.com (the local call access provider in Tennant Creek), and some special software. A web browser such as Netscape or Microsoft's Internet Explorer has the basics to get you started. Microsoft bundles their browser with Windows software and both browsers are provided with the Macintosh OS. Netscape now release their browser for free. For the novice, getting hooked up for the first time can be a little overwhelming, but help is at hand: for Windows users from the guys at Prospect Computing next to BP Tennant Creek, and for Macintosh users from Peter Henwood at Tennant Creek High School. Is it worth the cost? Access to the net is about $2.00 per hour, plus your telstra charges per call. Still unsure? A great way to see what the hype is all about is to call into Tennant Creek's Cyberkafe located at the high school. It is open to the general public after school hours and on weekends. For two dollars per hour you can explore the net and decide if you want it at home. For the occasional information seeker the Cyberkafe or town library offer great access facilities. There are some limits with accessing the net. If you have only one phone line while on the net you cannot use the telephone and people cannot ring you, although this could be blessing in disguise. Information is of course only one part of the net. Email, live chatting, on-line gaming and of course internet commerce will be discussed in this column in the months ahead. The net is constantly changing and this is one of its great strengths, apart from its constant growth. There is always something new to see, read or do on the net. Remember you are never too old to try something new. See you on the net.