Fresh articles from More Free Information Article Directoryhttp://www.morefreeinformation.com/Wed, 08 Sep 2010 22:09:49 CDTMorefreeinformation.com http://www.morefreeinformation.com/Art/23531/94/What-You-Should-Know-About-Operating-Systems.html
When you turn on your computer, play a game, create a document, surf the Internet, download a program, you are using your operating system Without it, you wouldn't be able to do all those things-or anything else for that matter

What is an Operating System?
An operating system is the software management system that is responsible for operating everything on your computer and making sure each part works with the rest of the system and each program can do its tasks It's like the central system that controls and connects everything Your computer cannot recognize your printer, IPod, or flash drive without the proper software in place and functioning You cannot open programs that allow you to email or chat with friends online, organize and edit photos, etc , without the operating system in place, allowing these programs to properly function

Here is a few more things for which your operating system is responsible:
*Visual layout of programs and features:
The version of the operating system you have on your computer determines the design of the GUI, or graphical user interface, or, how everything on your screen looks From colors, to styles, to organization of buttons, icons, folders, and options, what you see on your screen is all a part of the GUI For example, when Microsoft release Windows XP (the 2001 version of their Windows operating system series), the start button was green and the control panel had the option of classic view and category view Then, in 2007, Windows Vista's GUI included a black circle instead of the green start button and the term "category view" was called "Control Panel Home "

*Compatibility with programs and web features
Some newer, better, brighter, and faster technology is more advanced than the older operating systems If you've ever tried to download something or run a new program on your computer, you may have noticed that in the system requirements, the programs listed that it is compatible with a certain number of operating systems

What Operating System do I have?
Keep in mind that the operating system is not your computer hardware, so no, "Dell" is not the name of your operating system It might be the brand of your computer (the physical plastic and metal), but the system software the runs everything once you turn it on is controlled by the operating system Most people have one of Microsoft's Windows operating systems Remember the red, green, blue, and yellow block waving flag emblem? That's the Windows logo Other operating systems exist, Apple Macintosh, or Mac, and Linux are two other operating systems that you may have encountered
If you have a Windows run computer, in the Control Panel, Click on "System" (you need to be in classic view) You will see your system information, including what version operating system you have Most people still use Windows XP, but you might also have 98, 2000, ME, Vista, or 7 It's good to know what operating system you have so you know if it is compatible with the programs you want to use on your computer

What Operating System should I have?
This is up for debate There are constantly new versions of operating systems being released, but you might not need the latest, fastest, newest features While some prefer to stick to older versions, even after it is no longer supported by the manufacturer, other prefer to upgrade to the latest version the day it is released Just stick with what you are comfortable Once a new version has been released for a few years, it's more likely that all the bugs have been resolved-and you'll be able to buy it for less

Copper.net is an all-American owned and operated provider of Maryland DSL. Call today, 1-800-336-3318 or sign up online. More online tips and news can be found at http://www.copper.net/wire]]> http://www.morefreeinformation.com/Art/23531/94/What-You-Should-Know-About-Operating-Systems.html http://www.morefreeinformation.com/Art/22634/94/Rural-Internet-Service-Options.html
Dial-up and Satellite are the two methods of connecting to the Internet that are available in nearly every U S home, where many types of broadband, like cable and DSL are limited to the region they are serviced For those who live in very rural areas, dial-up and satellite are therefore usually the only two options from which users can choose Here is a brief summary and comparison of the two services:

*Dial-up Internet Service*
Dial-up is a very basic Internet connection (the first one invented) that connects to the Internet over a land telephone line The connection speed is quite slow in comparison to broadband connections, but it's also the most inexpensive Internet service The monthly price is usually under 20 dollars a month

Installing dial-up is very easy; setting up a connection on the computer usually takes no more than a few minutes Many people will not have to buy any equipment to get started with dial-up, because most computers come with a dial-up modem already installed Users must have an active phone service in order to connect with dial-up, but since most rural homes already have an active land line phone, they find dial-up to be an affordable Internet service

*Satellite Internet Service*
Satellite Internet receives the Internet connection signal through a satellite in the sky This means it is available almost anywhere, and usually considered a broadband (fast) connection Satellite is able to provide speeds much faster than dial-up can It is available in any area that has a full view of the southern sky This is necessary for the dish to pick up the satellite signal clearly This makes getting satellite service difficult in heavily wooded or hilly areas, but most US home will be able to use it Stormy or heavily cloudy weather can interfere with Internet speeds and connectivity, so it is not considered the most reliable of Internet services

The monthly rate for Satellite is usually more than 50 dollars a month, and could be much more if a higher speed other than the minimal speed is desired Other costs are involved, including the expensive satellite dish and installation/lease fees The expense involved usually means a contract is involved, which could incur more expenses

In some cases, some rural consumers can find alternatives to these Internet connection options In many remote areas, there simply is not enough demand for broadband to available Many people choose dial-up to avoid the high costs involved in getting satellite Internet Many others choose satellite because they need a fast connection for work at home or for the ease and convenience of a faster connection-especially in areas where phone lines and service is poor

In the future, government grants, state funding, or the growth and development of some rural areas will increase the amount of Internet options for small towns and rural communities, but there is a great amount of time and expense that is involved in such endeavors Until then, dial-up and satellite will continue to furnish the sole sources of rural Internet access

Internet access is available as little as for $6.95 a month in the US and Canada. Sign up online or call 1-800-456-3118.]]> http://www.morefreeinformation.com/Art/22634/94/Rural-Internet-Service-Options.html http://www.morefreeinformation.com/Art/22630/117/Types-of-Phone-Line-Activated-Internet-Services.html
Internet services come in a variety of forms Depending on the location of the consumer, there may be one to five options available Many rural and small town areas have much more limited options than highly populated urban areas There are two types of services that use a landline telephone line to connect to the Internet, predominantly used in rural areas

Dial-up is the earliest form of Internet connectivity and connects over the telephone line This Internet service transfers digital data to analog so it can be sent over the phone line The information is again converted to digital to be read by your computer Dial-up is called "narrowband" and faster services like most DSL and Cable services are called "broadband" to differentiate the speed of data transfer of the connections

The primary reason many consumers still use dial-up is because of its affordability Other than the possible expense of a dial-up modem, most consumers ordering dial-up for the first time have very little expenses to get started The service itself is usually less than 20 dollars Assuming there is an active land line phone in the home, the overall expense is minimal

Another reason dial-up is still common in some areas is because broadband is sometimes not available in remote areas Dial-up availability is almost guaranteed if you have a land line phone Most homes that have a land line phone will be able to get Internet access through dial-up-and choose from several providers The competition (and options of retailers with which to do business) among dial-up providers is a luxury not often available in the broadband world The majority of the US consists of one Internet provider monopolizing the broadband provision of that area

DSL is a broadband Internet service that also uses your phone line Some variations of DSL do not require the phone line to be active, and others are only available through your phone company Unlike dial-up service, DSL does not inhibit you to connect to the Internet while you are online

DSL is much faster than dial-up because it sends and receives data digitally, avoiding the digital to analog to digital conversion necessary for dial-up Depending on your proximity to the phone company, you can get a connection speed of anywhere from 10-100 times faster than dial-up The monthly service price is usually between 20 and 50 dollars depending on the speed you order Occasionally there is an introductory rate, but if DSL is inexpensive, it is usually a sacrifice of connection speed

Dial-up is an ideal Internet provider for extremely rural areas where the only option of broadband is an overpriced Satellite service It is also beneficial for anyone who wishes to save money and doesn't use the Internet very often DSL is the best choice for those who need to a constant Internet connection, have a DSL plan available in their area, and are willing to pay the extra price

Internet access is available as little as for $6.95 a month in the US and Canada. Sign up online or call 1-800-456-3118.]]> http://www.morefreeinformation.com/Art/22630/117/Types-of-Phone-Line-Activated-Internet-Services.html http://www.morefreeinformation.com/Art/21508/117/How-to-Find-and-Add-Friends-on-Facebook.html
Broadband Internet services offer many cool ways for you to keep in touch with others One of the most popular ways to do so is through Facebook-the number one social networking website globally If you have recently joined, or you haven't yet added many friends, here are a few ways that you can find and add friends on Facebook

*Friend Finder
Facebook offers a convenient tool that will search your email contact address book to see if any of the email addresses correspond with a current Facebook account All you have to do is temporarily give Facebook your email address password in order for the Friend Finder tool to search through your address book

To access the Friend Finder, click on "facebook" to get to your home page, and then click the "Friends" link on the left sidebar Under "Find People You Email" enter your email address and password in the boxes indicated Click "Find Friends" to begin the search If you have multiple email addresses, be sure to rerun the tool on those addresses as well!

Facebook will load a list of friends it found from your address book You can check the box next to the friends you want to request to add as a friend, or just click "Select All Friends " Click "Add as Friends" at the bottom The next page will list all your email address contacts for which Facebook could not find member accounts You can select the addresses of those contacts you would like to invite to join Facebook They will get an email telling them about Facebook and that you wanted them to join Keep in mind that these friends might still have a Facebook account with a different email address You can also click "Skip" if you don't want to invite anyone When you finish, a friend request will be sent to all the friends you chose

*Friend Suggestions
This is the second most popular way to find Friends, is through suggestions Facebook makes for you Facebook looks for profiles of people you might know based on who you are friends with now and what network you have joined If someone is a friend of several of your friends, chances are, you know them too Facebook will suggest these people to you so you have the opportunity request to add them as a friend as well Anytime you are logged in and click on the "facebook" link at the top left of the page, several s You can access more friend suggestions from your friends page

*A few more ways
If you are looking for a person in particular, you can enter their name in the search field at the top of the page, or in the "Search for People" search bar on your Friends page Also on the Friends page, you can find classmates, colleagues, and coworkers, or friends from your instant messaging lists Another way to browse for people you may know is to look through the friend lists of your current friends Chances are, you'll see a mutual friend you can request to add

Check out facebook com to get started!

Copper.net is an all-American owned and operated provider of Maryland DSL. Call today, 1-800-336-3318 or sign up online. More online tips and news can be found at http://www.copper.net/wire]]> http://www.morefreeinformation.com/Art/21508/117/How-to-Find-and-Add-Friends-on-Facebook.html http://www.morefreeinformation.com/Art/21503/117/Eight-Fun-Things-to-Do-on-Facebook.html
If you have DSL Internet service, you have a constant connection to one of the best form of entertainment-the Internet! Facebook is one of the many places that will keep you entertained for hours Here are some of the top ways to have fun on Facebook:

* Watch videos your friends have made If you like YouTube, you can enjoy the videos your friends post on Facebook! Or, make a video of your own and post it on your own account! Be sure to tag your friends who helped you make it so more people will watch it!

* Look at pictures You know the routine As soon as someone gets out some pictures, everyone wants to see them! Well, now you see them whenever you want to! Check out all the fun memories and goofy moments your friends have captured for your entertainment! Plus you get to leave comments right under the photo and read comments others have made

*Post a photo album! Make some memories of your own and take lots of pictures! Then post them in a Facebook album and tag all your friends! Be sure to get the really goofy ones they'll be sure to laugh about when they see them Or, dress up and do your own fun photo shoot for your long distance friends so they feel like they're still taking part of your life

* Take a quiz There's nothing that can grab your curiosity like a quiz! Plus they're really entertaining when your friends take them too Who knows? You might learn something new about yourself or your friends

* Play a game There are hundreds of games to play on Facebook! Why play on Facebook? You get to interact with your friends at the same time! You can challenge them to a one on one, compare scores, or become "neighbors" in a role-playing game

* Check out the news feed You can read status updates your friends (and leave comments too!) have recently posted You can find out what other fun activities are on Facebook just by seeing which quizzes and games your friends are playing

* Write a note Whether it's a silly survey or just a recap of a funny moment, let your friend in on a little fun by sharing it through a Facebook note Be sure and tag your besties that will get a kick out of your post so they don't miss out!

* Write a few messages to people you haven't talked to in a while It's easy to get too busy to call or hang out with some of your friends So why not leave a note to let them know you're thinking about them? You can make someone's day, plus, it'll be fun to get a message back from them! Browse through your friend list and find someone you haven't talked to in a while They'll be glad to hear from you!

There's something for everyone on Facebook Plus, you and your friends won't feel left out of the loop when you keep in touch So get started-capture and share some memories on Facebook!

Copper.net is an all-American owned and operated provider of Maryland DSL. Call today, 1-800-336-3318 or sign up online. More online tips and news can be found at http://www.copper.net/wire]]> http://www.morefreeinformation.com/Art/21503/117/Eight-Fun-Things-to-Do-on-Facebook.html http://www.morefreeinformation.com/Art/20984/94/Why-People-Still-Use-Windows-XP.html
If you are like the majority of computer users, you are using a computer with a Microsoft Windows operating system, and most likely, you're still using Windows XP-even though there are now two newer versions of Windows released by Microsoft-Vista and 7

Microsoft released Windows XP in 2001, only one year after the previous versions 2000 and ME Previous versions of Windows had always been within 2 years of each other XP remained the latest release until 2007-a whopping record of 6 years Granted, the delay of the new operating system was due to the necessary development of security and functional patches for XP, in releases of 3 service packs, but this was enough time for thousands of computer users to get very attached to XP Vista was then again delayed because of complications in deciding what features would be added and which ones needed to be withheld to avoid an overload of overwhelming changes to the OS

The resulting Vista operating system, released in 2007, was a dramatic adjustment for many computer users The new interface, a sleek and shiny "Windows Aero", had many usability improvements that would highly confuse a novice computer user that had finally grown accustomed to Windows XP Furthermore, attempts to combat the highly criticized security issues on XP resulted in a ubiquitous popup from User Account Control asking if it was okay to continue on any changes to the system

While these changes were accepted and sometimes preferred by tech-savvy users, many people who know and love XP are not willing to change to, haven't heard about, or haven't bothered to change to the newer versions available This can easily be seen in the statistics Even today, with two new versions of Windows available, and a dozen other companies offering their operating systems, more people use XP than all the others combined As you can imagine, this will eventually change as upgrades take place around the world, but it could be several more years, and possibly several more releases of Windows OS's

Windows 7 has gotten numerous positive responses from experts in computer technology and computer users After the release of Vista, which was in many people's eyes a failure, many people feel that Microsoft has restored the confidence of their users with Windows 7 Some critics claim that Windows 7 is just another Vista and still refuse to take part of it You might be nervous to make a change, since XP has been around for almost ten years; many people have gotten well acquainted with it This may have been your first operating system Thousands of users would agree that it's the best operating system Microsoft has ever released

Microsoft says they will continue to support the service pack 3 version of XP until early 2014 In the meantime, new technology, applications, and programs will be released that will not be compatible with the "outdated" XP and will help push the fence riders to the newer versions Just as versions older than XP are now considered obsolete and tech support is not available for them, the push for newer, faster, better technology will eventually push XP to a similar doom Time will tell how long that will take

Written by Hannah Miller, Director of Online Marketing and Customer Service Rep, Copper.net. Copper.net is a nationwide Internet Services provider that is all-American owned and operated. Call today, 1-800-336-3318 or sign up online. Check out my blog for this and more great articles! http://www.copper.net/wire]]> http://www.morefreeinformation.com/Art/20984/94/Why-People-Still-Use-Windows-XP.html http://www.morefreeinformation.com/Art/20089/134/How-to-Find-Great-Items-on-EBay.html
If you love using your Internet access to find great deals online, eBay com is the place for you! If you want to keep up with deals, know about great finds, and stay in the loop about the items you're watching or bidding on, the following tools and features might be just what you're looking for

*Daily Deals On the eBay home page, there is a "Daily Deals" tab This page will show you current items for sale that are listed at a fraction of the original cost You'll find items that are anywhere from 40-90 percent cheaper that the manufacturer's suggested price

*EBay tools on Internet Explorer 8 If you have not yet upgraded to IE8, you might want to do so to take advantage of the new eBay tools it offers IE8 has added two new features to the Microsoft browser: Web Slices and Accelerators Both of these new features have cool gadgets for eBay!

A Web Slice is a button on the new Favorites bar that you can click on to get a mini window of the webpage it represents It's a way to quickly access information from another webpage without leaving the one you're on or loading a whole different page You can add an eBay Web Slice to your favorites bar to see items you're bidding on at a glance You can also have a Web Slice for the eBay Daily Deals

An Accelerator appears anytime you highlight any text on any website and right click The menu of accelerators that appears is of shortcuts to a variety of different tools and websites-instead of having to open a separate page and load the site manually The eBay accelerator will let you look up items on eBay that you highlighted For example, if you're reading on a blog or new site about a Dell laptop, you can highlight "Dell Laptop" right click, and click to look up Dell laptop on eBay in one click!

*More Tools from eBay com You can learn about and sign up for more features on eBay com From the home page, go to the "Buy" tab on the top right corner of the page, then "Buyer Tools " You can learn about how to shop on eBay from your phone You can also sign up to get text messages or calls on your phone, or alerts to your instant messenger on the items you've bid on

You can also download eBay Desktop to bid on eBay without using a browser Or try the eBay Toolbar for quick access to eBay links on your browser Or, download the Google Toolbar and add the eBay button

With these tools and gadgets, you'll have plenty of access to one of the most popular online shopping sites worldwide Check out eBay com to learn more about buying on eBay, set up an account, and learn about how to shop safely online

Internet access is available as little as for $6.95 a month in the US and Canada. Sign up online or call 1-800-456-3118.]]> http://www.morefreeinformation.com/Art/20089/134/How-to-Find-Great-Items-on-EBay.html http://www.morefreeinformation.com/Art/19874/94/How-Chat-and-Instant-Messaging-Have-Affected-Communication.html
When you connect to the Internet, chances are you will most likely spend that time in some sort of communication, and probably more than one method Whether it's reading and ad, sending an email, even searching for a product to buy online, there will some sort of communicating involved Needless to say, the Internet has had a very large impact on society, especially in the world of communication The demand for information and communication has grown, the volume of communication has increased and decreased in some ways, and the nature of communication as a whole has changed to accommodate Internet communication methods

Let's look at one area in particular that has become a popular form of interpersonal communication over the Internet-chat and instant messaging

Chat, or chatting, on the Internet is a way to type informal conversations within a group of people Websites will host a "chatroom" on their site where anyone who wishes to participate can enter and read or add to the conversation Some sites have dozens of chatrooms with different topic themes so you can find one that interests you Each person can type their responses then submit them to the flow of entries from what everyone else is saying You can scroll up or down to see what has been said earlier

Chat rooms typically move fast and sometimes don't make a lot of sense when too many people are trying to talk at once Some people who type slower may respond to a comment after 20 other entries have been added, so the conversation often gets jumbled At the same time, if the chatroom has a small group of people all interested in the same topic, interesting conversation can be had, brainstorming is possible, and ideas can be fleshed out

Since chat rooms are available to anyone with an Internet connection, they were a way for people to talk to anyone around the world Chat rooms had an aspect of anonymity that appeals to many people Whether it was the ability to say what you pleased without anyone finding out who you are, or just the ability to make yourself whoever you wanted to appear to be to others Since there is a hardly any way to prove who you really are (and giving away personal information to strangers over the Internet is discouraged), chatrooms are a place to talk to strangers and say what you wish with no regard to getting to know them In a way, chatrooms have opened a door for more open, but less personal communication

The environment also allowed for an informal means of communication In the speed of keeping up with the conversation, entries are broken into short sentences, grammar and punctuation is overlooked, and politically-correctness and tact are sometimes abandoned due to the lack of identification and accountability

Instant messaging is much like chat, but between only two people Usually instant messaging is contained within an installed program on the user's computer You set up an account with a username or screen name, then enter the screen names of friends so you can be notified when they are currently running the program on their computer, or "signed-in" When you see that a friend on your list of screen names is signed in, you click on the screen name and can start an instant message conversation with that person

Since instant messaging is usually between people that already know each other, instant messaging is less anonymous, but the informality is often still there Many times, grammar, punctuation, and spelling is less of a priority than quickly typing the message Many shortcuts are also used that are sometimes even used in face-to-face conversations Some of the typical acronyms are lol "laughing out loud", ttyl "talk to you later" and using numbers in place of letters, like h8 "hate" and 2 "to" or "too "

Communication itself has changed its definition to include a variety of media over the years The informality and anonymity of the Internet are two of the strongest influences on modern communication

Internet access is available as little as for $6.95 a month in the US and Canada. Sign up online or call 1-800-456-3118.]]> http://www.morefreeinformation.com/Art/19874/94/How-Chat-and-Instant-Messaging-Have-Affected-Communication.html http://www.morefreeinformation.com/Art/19867/94/Why-Dial-up-Seems-Slower-than-the-Connection-Speed-Infers.html
Dial-up can be agonizingly slow in comparison to other Internet services Whether you don't have a choice or you simply need to save money, there are ways to make the best of your dial-up Internet connection Here are a few things to watch for if your connection seems to be slower than it says it is:

*Kilobits or kilobytes?
First of all, you need to understand that your connection speed is probably about 20-40 kbps, that is, kilobits per second Also, most downloads speeds are measured in kilobytes per second A byte is 8 bits So when you are connected at 32 kbps, you download rate is only about 4 KB or kilobytes per second That is why the download speed on dial-up never goes much over 5 KB/sec

*Bandwidth overload
When you are connected to the Internet, everything that requires an Internet connection will have to share the bandwidth (capacity of speed at which everything is downloaded) you have That means if you are loading two pages at once and trying to do a download, your connection speed is cut into three and each operation gets a third of that speed If you thought 30 kbps is slow, what do you think you'll get with 10 kbps? Try to avoid bogging your bandwidth with too much to do-unless you want to start 5 page loads and a download than go do something else for half an hour!

*Internet Cookies and Files
Every time you load a webpage, your computer is storing information from that site, called cookies and temporary Internet files You can research these terms online if you want to learn exactly what they do Basically, they are a good thing that can be bad in reference to your dial-up speed First of all, they save page elements to your computer so they don't have to be redownloaded every time you go back This means that every time you revisit a website, you are only actually downloading any new information This is why a page that took three minutes to load might only take 30 seconds another day

However, cookies and files do eventually accumulate over time, especially if you do a lot of surfing You should erase these files from your computer every once in a while to give your browser a fresh start Sometimes, slow page loads and "no webpages" errors can be caused by a too-full browser cache (the storage bin for these files)

Background updates
Every time you connect to the Internet, your antivirus program and Automatic Updates will most likely need to resume some update that it was working on (or needs since) the last time you connected Since you have a dial-up connection, these updates take much longer to download than on broadband, plus it doesn't get a chance to download unless you connect Any time you download files, updates for various programs, or surfing the Internet, your dial-up connection splits the available download speed between the various tasks you are doing Again, if you are doing all three (or more), each activity is working on one-third the possible download speed Check the icons in your system tray (right lower corner, next to your clock) to see if any updates are running if your connection is considerably slower than usual

Copper.net is a provider of Columbus Ohio DSL. Sign up online or by calling our toll free number! 1-800-336-3318. Check out more helpful tips at http://www.copper.net/wire]]> http://www.morefreeinformation.com/Art/19867/94/Why-Dial-up-Seems-Slower-than-the-Connection-Speed-Infers.html http://www.morefreeinformation.com/Art/19866/39/Common-Types-of-Malware.html
If you have a computer and have Internet service, you have probably heard about viruses, spyware and other types of harmful software and computer problems that you might be vulnerable to In order to truly protect your computer, you need to know about malware, what it is, and how to avoid it

Malware is a coverall term for every type of harmful program that could harm your computer or invade your privacy Malware (combining the phrase "malicious software") comes in several forms:

*Computer viruses*
Although the proper definition of a virus is only those programs that replicate themselves after entering your computer (like a flu virus-hence the name), "computer virus" is typically used to describe all front door viruses The characteristic "front door" describes how it enters the computer The software clearly contains malicious code that can be detected with an antivirus scanner Viruses are fairly easy to detect with a constantly running, constantly updated antivirus program Since viruses and other "front door" malware, like Trojan horses and worms, are usually spread through email attachments, many email servers have a built in virus scanner This is why you should avoid opening an attachment if you don't know what it is, even if it is from a friend or trusted company

True viruses, as we mentioned earlier, will replicate and attack system files, personal files, etc , on your computer Since they get bigger, they could eventually cause your computer to malfunction or crash The front door malware that don't replicate are still dangerous, as they can hack into your personal information and use up system resources to run

If your computer begins to run slowly, shut down by itself, or act suspiciously in any other manner, you might need to take it to a technician to check for viruses

*Spyware and Adware
This type of malware is considered "back door" because it is not clearly detected by a scanner These types of programs are disguised in or as a helpful, interesting, or necessary program, like a "computer cleaner" tool, a cool game, a free music player download, etc Sometimes they even disguise themselves as antivirus or antispyware programs

Spyware is usually downloaded by the user, usually as or a part of a free download Once installed on your computer, spyware usually give access to hackers to "spy" on your computer, either by tracking the pages your surf or the keys you type Even worse, some spyware can actually allow hackers to view documents and files on your computer, or use your system resources to send out spam and other malicious practices

Adware is very similar, but it specifically means "advertising software " Although it is mostly harmless, it is annoying and can be somewhat invasive to privacy Sometimes free downloads will clearly state that the adware is included in the package (and of course is overlooked by the user) Adware usually anonymously tracks browsing habits or your location to tailor spam and pop-ups to target your interests

Spyware, adware, and other types of disguised "back door" intruders can often be avoided by choosing free downloads carefully (especially if they're just for fun) and downloading an antispyware program or a spyware scanner (make sure the program itself isn't just spyware!) to check for malicious activity Also, having a good firewall constantly running will keep anyone from being able to infiltrate your computer with spyware

Research online for more ways to avoid malware and how to identify it Make sure you research any software programs on several reputable websites to see if they are legitimate before you download them

Copper.net is an all-American owned and operated provider of Maryland DSL. Call today, 1-800-336-3318 or sign up online. More online tips and news can be found at http://www.copper.net/wire]]> http://www.morefreeinformation.com/Art/19866/39/Common-Types-of-Malware.html http://www.morefreeinformation.com/Art/19750/226/Using-the-Internet-for-Banking-and-Finances.html
Here are some of the many ways that you can now do your crucial financial transactions over the Internet! Learn why this is so popular and some of the benefits of online finances

Online Banking and Bill Pay
You can get email notifications, view statements, receipts, banking information, (even pay bills), and calculate expenses because of Internet access You can often get a free account with your bank and all the services you pay for, set up automatic billing, or check statuses of usage, billing amounts, etc Managing expenses and finances online is convenient and easy Needless to say, this is definitely an area where staying informed is crucial! It only takes a few minute to check bill amounts and bank balances online Not only that, you can check all these things at any time of the day, so you don't have to wait until business hours or try to do business while you're at work!

You can often save money and paper by paying your bills online Plus, it's a lot faster! You won't have to worry about the mail keeping you from making your payments online The transactions are quick, safe, and easy The majority of companies now have a website, so if you don't know the address, just look it up on Google or another search engine You can usually set up a free account from there It's so convenient and easy, you'll wonder why you didn't start sooner!

Shopping and Purchases
You can buy almost anything online in this day and age Whether you're getting email announcements of sales and ideas, or comparing prices and searching for products on the Internet, the Internet is an excellent resource for shopping and making buying decisions Of course, there are things you can't buy on the Internet, like milk and eggs, and things you prefer to buy in person, like a car But the Internet is a great resource for aiding your buying decision You might want to be informed about brands and varieties of foods and other products that will help you be healthy or go green You can also use the Internet to compare companies and merchandise before making a trip to their location

Taxes and Expense Records
You can now do your taxes online! Some websites will let you complete your tax records for free while others will charge a small fee Regardless, you should be able to do your own taxes for a fraction of the cost of hiring an accountant Look online for way to track and record your expenses and how you can save money and get your refund check faster!

Budgeting and Saving Money
Planning a big event or purchase? Or are you just trying to figure out how you can save money? The Internet offers many types of budgeting calculators to help you make the best financial decisions Plus, research the many ways you can save money on your food, clothing, and leisure budgets There are so many helpful articles, coupons and discounts, and good financial advice on the Internet!

Stocks and Bonds
You can learn about and keep track of stocks and bonds on the Internet Google and other websites have stock portfolio's you can use to track your stocks Plus, you can get news and information on demand with the Internet, and what better way to stay informed about the markets that interest you?

The Internet has a vast amount of resources that can benefit all areas of your life Internet access is an investment work making

Written by Hannah Miller, Director of Online Marketing and Customer Service Rep, Copper.net. Copper.net is a nationwide Internet Services provider that is all-American owned and operated. Call today, 1-800-336-3318 or sign up online. Check out my blog for this and more great articles! http://www.copper.net/wire]]> http://www.morefreeinformation.com/Art/19750/226/Using-the-Internet-for-Banking-and-Finances.html http://www.morefreeinformation.com/Art/19312/143/Goal-Setting-and-Goal-Keeping-How-to-Stay-on-Track.html
Do you like to be online? Want to find a really good use for your Internet service? Here's a way to set some goals for yourself, and how the Internet can help you do so!

*Know what you want Be specific about your goal Don't say "lose weight," say "lose x pounds in y weeks " Don't say "read more," say "read x books in y months " This way, not only will you know when you have achieved it, you will be able to track your progress and set checkpoints for yourself along the way Search online or use an open question website (like Yahoo Answers) to find out what is a good, reasonable goal to set You don't want to aim too high or too low, so a little research will help you avoid feeling like a failure or seeing no results

*They say writing down your goals is really important For one, the best way to engrain things into your brain is to see and hear it But don't risk losing a piece of paper, write the goals into a page of your blog or a note on Facebook This way you won't lose it, and you're friends can encourage you and keep your accountable

*Try a goal setting website Did you know there are websites where you can make and track goals? Not only that, they provide pages for you to make notes about your progress and set up mini goals to reach the big one Once you set up an account, you can browse through other people's goals and watch them check off their list

*Don't let giving up get a foot in the door Many salespeople are taught to get their customer to agree to just one thing Once you say yes to giving in just ONE TIME, the possibility of you giving in again is significantly greater Boost your will power by searching online for success stories, pictures, anything that will help you envision yourself once you've accomplished your goal If it's saving money for something, do an image search for that dream house, car, or outfit you'd love to have, and set it as your desktop background! Keep the positive reminders all around you!

*Avoid negative thoughts As important as it is to stay positive, it's equally important to avoid negative thoughts of "I can't do this" or "this is too hard" Once you have researched and made your goal, you need to stick to it, and your mind is going to be one of the hardest things to conquer You will find yourself trying to convince yourself to give up, but you can't The longer you stay on target, the easier it will be to say no, so hang in there!

*Spread the word! If you did write a note on Facebook or your blog in the beginning, write down your progress too! Not only will you garner positive responses that will boost your will power, you just might inspire others to make goals of their own Don't make yourself feel alone in this challenge Having others around you, encouraging you will make all the difference If you're already using the Internet for communicating to others already, use it to help you with your goals while you're at it!

Internet access is available as little as for $6.95 a month in the US and Canada. Sign up online or call 1-800-456-3118.]]> http://www.morefreeinformation.com/Art/19312/143/Goal-Setting-and-Goal-Keeping-How-to-Stay-on-Track.html http://www.morefreeinformation.com/Art/19294/39/Internet-Security-Firewalls-and-Disguised-Malware.html
Internet security can be a difficult task to master, but understanding what types of malware (or malicious software) there are and how to avoid them

There are two types of malware; 1, the ones that can be clearly identified as harmful, like viruses, and 2, the "back door" malware that disguises itself as good software and cannot be detected by an antivirus scanner That means it's important to either find an antivirus suite that has every component of Internet security, or installing and running an additional tool(s)

This "back door intruder" malware, like spyware and adware, is usually disguised as or added to a useful and beneficial software program, like a cool screensaver, a music player, and sometimes, they'll even disguise themselves as security tool! Once you download this cool product or an add-on that claims it is necessary to download it, the malicious portion of the program can install itself on your computer, causing one or more of several things:

*Your surfing, like what webpages you visit or what links you click on could be tracked for marketing or spamming purposes
*Your computer system resources could be abused by running malicious software and cause other programs to run slowly
*Some of your browsing options could be changed without your permission, like your homepage or default search engine
*Frequent pop-ups, even when you are offline, could bombard your computer screen
*Your computer could be used remotely by a hacker, and your system resources used for their purposes, like sending out spam
*Your keystrokes could be logged to gather passwords, credit card numbers, and other personal information
*Your personal files and documents could be hacked into by someone who has gained access to your computer

As you can see, the range of offenses go from minimal anonymous tracking or annoyances to dangerous privacy invasion Regardless, backdoor malware is instrusive and not meant to benefit you-or have your permission for anything!

A firewall is a program that tracks what services can access your computer Whatever it finds to be suspicious, it will either block or warn you about it, based on what your settings are In order for spyware, adware, and hackers to work, they have to access your computer through a network or the Internet and communicate with an outside source A firewall will not allow this transfer of information to take place

All Windows OS computers come with a firewall automatically installed and turned on, but you can download and use a different firewall program if you wish The average Internet surfer is not likely to be infected with malicious software, but a few precautions will help keep it that way If you feel your computer is acting suspiciously, like some of the effects mentioned above, you probably need to install a spyware scanner on your computer to find and get rid of them Do some research on the program before you download it to make sure it's legit The last thing you want to do is worsen your situation by downloading more disguised malware!

By keeping a firewall running and making safe surfing choices, you will significantly decrease your chances of being infected by back door malware

Written by Hannah Miller, Director of Online Marketing and Customer Service Rep, Copper.net. Copper.net is a nationwide Internet Services provider that is all-American owned and operated. Call today, 1-800-336-3318 or sign up online. Check out my blog for this and more great articles! http://www.copper.net/wire]]> http://www.morefreeinformation.com/Art/19294/39/Internet-Security-Firewalls-and-Disguised-Malware.html http://www.morefreeinformation.com/Art/18524/90/Using-Internet-Resources-to-Get-in-Shape.html
The Internet is crammed with good advice and information you should know to stay healthy, eat right, and learn about foods, diets, and exercise The Internet is also a good place to buy exercise equipment, supplements, protein powder, and, if you think it's actually going to work, diet pills and formulas!

Many studies and years of experience have shown that staying in good shape helps you avoid sicknesses and diseases, sleep better, be happier, and feel energized Sure, it takes a lot of work, but there are so many resources on the Internet that can help you stay motivated, meet your goals, and educate yourself about how best to stay fit and healthy!

Here are some tips for that well help you get motivated to get into shape:

*Find a goal setting website that will help you record and track your short and long term goals Some sites are even set up as networking sites so that others can view your goals and encourage you as you work to complete them Seeing your goal written down will help cement them into your mind and help you make the right decisions every step of the way

*Declare your goals and write about your progress online Find a blog or social networking venue where you can tell your friends or the whole world that you are on a track to losing weight or change your diet, etc This will keep you accountable, both from knowing you said you would and from the encouragement you'll be getting from others rooting for you You might even be an inspiration to them to start doing something about their weight or health problems

*Research, research, research Learn about exercise and food Knowing the negative effects of a poor diet will change your attitude toward them, regardless of how appealing they might sound Research those hard to pronounce ingredients that show up in your favorite junk foods You will naturally begin looking for those ingredients in the foods you purchase and try to avoid them in the future You should also research the positive effects of healthy foods! You would be surprised how much better certain food can make you feel This will motivate you to try some of those greens and things you've been avoiding

*Find lots of recipes Speaking of food, there are many thousands of recipes on the Internet, many of which show you how to cut fats and sweet without killing the flavor You may learn that you actually like the healthy foods your body needs when you prepare them with a fun new recipe Eating healthy has piles of benefits other than weight loss and fitness

Feed your mind! The mind is a powerful thing Your body can be told what to do You can lose weight or start eating healthy and your body will go along with it (eventually!), but your mind must be convinced, focused, motivated, and unrelenting If you give in to frustration, doubt, self-mutilation or pity, and other negative thoughts, you will give up, lose focus, and maybe even end up in a worse situation than when you started Let your Internet surfing and reading material be positive Find motivating material that will encourage you to keep your goals, and avoid the temptations or demotivating influences

Written by Hannah Miller, Director of Online Marketing and Customer Service Rep, Copper.net. Copper.net is a nationwide Internet Services provider that is all-American owned and operated. Call today, 1-800-336-3318 or sign up online. Check out my blog for this and more great articles! http://www.copper.net/wire]]> http://www.morefreeinformation.com/Art/18524/90/Using-Internet-Resources-to-Get-in-Shape.html http://www.morefreeinformation.com/Art/18523/90/Preparing-your-Mind-for-Fitness-Six-Tips-to-Get-Motivated.html
Getting in shape, healthy eating, and weight loss are very difficult tasks to handle Often, getting started is the most difficult part Your mind is a powerful tool to meeting goals and staying on track On the other hand, your thought patterns or feelings toward yourself can significantly hinder your ability to start a lifestyle of healthy living Before you take on a resolution to do better, try these tips to get your mind in gear for the journey ahead of you

*Educate yourself about your current lifestyle Do some research online about the health risks associated with being overweight or eating a lot of fatty foods Here's a toughy-learn about your favorite snack foods Find out what the calories, fats, sugars, and other ingredients are doing to your body If you care about your health, learning about how unhealthy and damaging some foods are will help you be ready to give them up-or at least cut down some!

*Educate yourself about the benefits of fitness You would be shocked how many symptoms can be cured with exercise and healthy eating The Internet is full of advice and information about healthy living If you think exercise is just to lose weight or gain muscle mass, you are missing out on a lot of positive effects that can also be yours when you get in shape Find out what symptoms, like fatigue or headaches, may be eliminated with a good exercise plan and healthy diet This too will encourage you to start thinking positively about exercise and healthy food

*Change your focus The first step to feeling motivated about exercise or changing your diet is to think positively You will be tempted to focus on negative thoughts Have these thoughts crossed your mind?
-"This is going to take forever!"
-"I've got so far to go, there's no way I can do this "
-"There's no way I can enjoy eating healthy!"
These kind of thoughts are normal, but are also the very reason making these life changes are difficult Think about these steps to physical fitness as a journey to better health Tell yourself things will get easier as you go Tell yourself you're going to look and feel so much better Tell yourself your current lifestyle is not worth it Find clubs, forums, and groups online that are focused on fitness and exercise They will help you be encouraged and motivated along the journey, especially when things get tough!

*Set some long-term goals What would you like to accomplish? How much weight would you like to lose (or muscle mass to build)? What kinds of foods do you need to start eating and stop eating? Find websites where you can research what kind of goal is achievable and reasonable Many sites have places just for asking questions-this might be helpful if you can't find what you're looking for Find out what kind of weight loss or muscle gain is reasonably possible within a certain length of time Learn about diets or exercise plans that may be right for you, your schedule, and your goals

*Don't set your goals too high or too low You can hurt yourself by pushing yourself too hard, or crush your aspiration to meet your goals Giving up is the very reason people are out of shape, so don't let unreasonable goals overwhelm you into quitting Don't set your goals too low Sure, it will be achievable, but very minimal exercise or change in diet will not really benefit you-at least not in a way that you will see results! Results are what will make everything worthwhile and encourage you to stay fit Find websites about exercise or healthy eating where you can learn how much is too much or too little

*Find a starting point your mind can grasp If your ultimate goal is to lose 50-100 pounds or cut all sugary/fatty foods from your diet, you may be overwhelmed trying to tackle everything at once Breaking habits and starting new ones is extremely difficult, especially when you're focused on too many of them at one time If you give your mind one bad habit to break or one good habit to create, you will be more motivated to start and to stick with it Focusing on that starting point will help drown out negative thoughts and discouragement

Written by Hannah Miller, Director of Online Marketing and Customer Service Rep, Copper.net. Copper.net is a nationwide Internet Services provider that is all-American owned and operated. Call today, 1-800-336-3318 or sign up online. Check out my blog for this and more great articles! http://www.copper.net/wire]]> http://www.morefreeinformation.com/Art/18523/90/Preparing-your-Mind-for-Fitness-Six-Tips-to-Get-Motivated.html http://www.morefreeinformation.com/Art/18437/117/What-Affects-Broadband-Internet-Availability.html
Broadband Internet is a rather recent development, and is still not available in some parts of the world, including parts of the US In other places of the world where technology has been developing at fast paces for some time, broadband Internet is not only the standard, but the speeds and capabilities are gargantuan in comparison to dial-up and other types of slow broadband connections

So how does broadband work? And why is it not available everywhere? Here are basics about broadband and how it is accessed Here's a look at the types of broadband there are-and where it's available

DSL-This type of service is similar to its dial-up Internet service predecessor Just like dial-up, DSL also travels over phone lines DSL does not convert its signal, however, to analog, like dial-up does Instead, it simply transmits data digitally, which means that not only is it much faster, it also doesn't busy the phone line, because both can work simultaneously The speed of DSL depends on what equipment upgrades have been done locally at telephone companies and how close each resident is to the source of the equipment, that is, the phone company Because of this, DSL is unfortunately available if the company can't afford the upgrade Also, anyone who lives in rural areas might not be able to get broadband Internet because the digital signal can't travel that far

Cable-Just like TV, Internet access can be supplied to cable provisioned homes for a high-speed Internet access Cable is available anywhere a cable company is established and the cable equipment can be installed to and in the homes The options of cable in the US are quite sparse In order for a cable company to profit, they would have to have a large adoption of local customers This means, two cable companies in one town would struggle to stay in business Even in big cities, there are usually only one or two cable Internet providers; in many rural and small towns, no cable is available at all

Satellite-Along with radio, Internet service can be attained from a satellite This certainly clears up the issue of local companies, as everyone has access to the sky Because of the high-tech equipment necessary to make this all possible, this is a very expensive option The only things that make Satellite access unavailable would be select homes where too many tall trees, buildings, etc , would block a satellite signal Even so, cloudy and stormy weather can suddenly cause the signal to drop

Wireless-The cell phone industry has been making the most progress recently on the broadband movement Many cell phone providers and other wireless companies are now offering wireless broadband Internet, either on a smart phone, built into a laptop, or through a small plug-in modem If you were to get wireless service from the same company that provides your cell phone service, your connection ability and speed is similar to how well you can get a cell phone signal Just like cable Internet, wireless service is only available where the signal towers have been built and a line of sight to them is fairly clear

As you can see, each type of broadband Internet service has it's limitations You probably know, or now understand why, that some types of Broadband are available where you live, and some aren't

Copper.net is an all-American owned and operated provider of Maryland DSL. Call today, 1-800-336-3318 or sign up online. More online tips and news can be found at http://www.copper.net/wire]]> http://www.morefreeinformation.com/Art/18437/117/What-Affects-Broadband-Internet-Availability.html http://www.morefreeinformation.com/Art/17995/117/How-to-Keep-Up-With-Celebrity-News-on-the-Internet.html
Here are a few websites and resources to keep up with your favorite celebrities and see what they're up to!

*Yahoo! Movies and Yahoo! Music
Yahoo com has always been a great resource for connecting with others and getting news Whether your favorite celeb is a singer or actor, you can find info on these sites Yahoo! Movies not only gives you the latest scoop about upcoming movies and casts, you can also access cast bios and photos from movies and red carpet events Yahoo! Music not only lets you look up music and music artists, you can see bio pages of music artists to see what song they have written, etc

*omg!
Another resource by Yahoo, omg! is a quick way to get the scoop about Hollywood and celebrity news It often shows "top ten" slideshows of celebrities, celeb fashion, and red carpet events It's a fun, fast way to keep up, with short stories and photos that keep you in the know Plus, you can comment on all the photos and stories, as well as see those of others

*Google Search and Google News
Google com offers many ways to access news and information, including the top Hollywood gossip! Google is the best known search engine and strives to find new websites and updated information to best fit your search needs You can either perform a search on Google's home page to find sites mentioning names or incidents, or just click on the "News" link at the top of the page to be taken to the top current news stories Just click on the "Entertainment" or "Most Popular" link to get the top stories about celebrities and stars You will hardly make it past the first page without finding something interesting!

*Google Alerts
Another tool from Google, Alerts will send you an email with links to websites and pages that have recently posted new information about any keywords you choose All you have to do is set up an alert of your choice, then you can receive instant or daily notifications when new information of all media types are available You could type a name of a person, movie, event, whatever! Google will bring it all, right to your inbox!

*Celebrity Magazine sites All the magazines you see in check out aisles are also available online! They have stories, pictures, info, links, and more! You will get a more interactive approach and access to information you can't find in the mags! Plus, you don't have to wait for once a month updates, the news and info is right there, all the time

*TV News sites Just like the magazines, TV shows like Entertainment Weekly have their own websites Watching celebrity news on TV is great, but doesn't offer the flexibility and interaction you can get from a website! To find these sites, just type the name of your favorite TV shows on a search engine to get started

*Twitter This is one of the newest and hottest websites to get actual updates and news from celebrities themselves Basically Twitter is a network of anyone in the world who wants to join Then once you create a profile, you just update people on what you're currently doing and feeling in a short sentence or link All you need is an account with Twitter, create a profile, and then find the profiles of your favorite stars and, if they've set up one, you can "follow" them to get all the updates of what they're doing! Not all celebrities have time for keeping up with social networking, but twitter is just for on-the-go updates, so many celebrities can quickly let their followers know what's up!

Keeping up with things and people that interest you should not be a hassle Thanks to the Internet and the wide variety of news and information that is available, you'll never be out of the loop

Written by Hannah Miller, Director of Online Marketing and Customer Service Rep, Copper.net. Copper.net is a nationwide Internet Services provider that is all-American owned and operated. Call today, 1-800-336-3318 or sign up online. Check out my blog for this and more great articles! http://www.copper.net/wire]]> http://www.morefreeinformation.com/Art/17995/117/How-to-Keep-Up-With-Celebrity-News-on-the-Internet.html http://www.morefreeinformation.com/Art/17920/94/Seven-Ways-to-Communicate-on-the-Internet.html
Communicating is an essential part of being a human being The Internet has greatly changed the way we communicate, even expanded the ease and ability to communicate Here are some of the many ways that the Internet has made communication possible, even faster and easier!

Email: Writing letters, quick notes, or sending pictures and documents is easy and instant with email Just type a letter or note and click send! Email can be both formal and informal depending on how the message is written

Chat: This is an informal communication method that is usually open to the public It's like a virtual "room" where people can join into conversations or just read along as others contribute to the conversation This can be a great way to brainstorm and share ideas with large groups of people at a time

Instant Messaging: This is similar to chat, but on a one on one basis It's just like a phone or face to face conversation, but it is simply typed text (and small icons showing emotion) It's informal in nature, and great for quick conversations while you are using your computer

Forums: This is more formal and used for get information or answer questions The format is similar to a conversation, as one person starts a conversation and anyone else can respond You can respond to the first comment or question, or to the comments of others who responded before you You can learn a lot about almost any topic by asking it on a forum because of the amount of exposure you get to others who are also interested in that topic

Ask sites: Much like a forum, an ask site is a place to post a question and for others to answer it Usually these sites have a much larger variety of questions, from practical to human interest to opinion, than what you would find on a professional forum site This is a way to anonymously ask a question and anyone who comes across your question can answer it You can then pick the best answer to give that person points to boost their "reputation" Another reason this is different from forums is that people only answer the question and do not reply to the responses of others

Blogs: This is a long standing method of communication, and is more one way, although people can respond to posts Basically, it's like an online journal Blogs can be professional and educational, or informal and anonymous It's a great method of self expression to anyone who cares to read (or view, if it's a video or photo blog)

Social Networking: Although these sites have many more purposes than just communicating, it is a primary resource There are many different types of social networking sites Basically, it's a profile page of yourself and about you, and then you connect to the profile sites of others You can send and receive messages, like email, post notes and longer messages, like blogs, and sometimes have group conversations or send messages, somewhat like chat and instant messaging So basically, it's like a combination of many of the methods listed above, but in a slightly different format and platform

Communication has expanded to mean many things as technology has made more things possible With Internet access, you can take advantage of these developments!

Internet access is available as little as for $6.95 a month in the US and Canada. Sign up online or call 1-800-456-3118.]]> http://www.morefreeinformation.com/Art/17920/94/Seven-Ways-to-Communicate-on-the-Internet.html http://www.morefreeinformation.com/Art/17917/98/Top-Five-Reasons-Why-People-Blog.html
There are many reasons to start and maintain a blog, or weblog It can be made of posts of mostly text, include pictures and music, or be completely comprised of videos Blogs can be a combination of all of those things in one! But why do people blog? Why are there blogs? Here's a look at the blogging industry and the top reasons they remain popular

*Online Journal A blog is easy to maintain as a journal In fact, this was probably one of the earliest uses for blogs Most people can type faster than they can write by hand, not to mention typing your entries means you can easily edit them-including the fonts and colors! Of course, adding pictures, music, or videos make it more entertaining and personalized Blogs as online journals are a great for you to let others know what's going in your life, or share your thoughts and ideas with others The best thing about using a blog as a journal is that all your entries are dated and saved for years to come! That's really convenient to "go back in time" and see how your life and perspectives have changed over the years

*Self Expression Although this could be combined with the online journal category, blogs for self expression vary greatly Where an online journal typically is for personal daily activities, self expression blogs can be anything from a collection of poems or artwork, or abstract pieces of thought and expression These kind of blogs can be anonymous, which is a great way to say things you can't tell anyone Self expression blog could have a theme or vary in emotion and mood from one day to the next This is one of the reason blogs are so popular among introverts and writers

*Business/Educational Blogs for this purpose are usually full of informational and educational pieces about a company or club Whether it follows a hobby, interest, organization, or cause, this is less personal, and might even be kept up by several people Blogs like these normally have links to company sites and resources, basic info about their purpose or cause, and updates about recent developments, etc

*A Source of Income Due the increase in the popularity of blogs and blogging, some bloggers can actually do so for a living The audience that they have gathered from years of blogging and quality of stories are a sought after group of people to advertisers and businesses Sometimes, bloggers are paid to post links or stories about companies to give them recognition and "air time" with Internet blog readers Also, writers can be paid to write for well known blog sites, so sometimes it's not the author, but the website that has gained credibility Getting to this point usually takes a lot of hard work and experience, or being at the right place at the right time

Professional Advice This is very similar to people who blog for a living, but it is somewhat different Some blogs are written by professionals who have a lot of experience in a certain field that garners a lot of publish interest, like sports or fashion They could also be people who have built a name for themselves in their particular profession, like computer science or physical therapy These people have become "famous" in their particular field Their blog is just a way for their large number of fans, followers, and "rookies" to gain from their insight Sometimes they write about their work, their personal lives, or share links and tools that are very helpful those who are interested in that area

There are all kinds of blogs, and all kinds of interests and reasons for starting a blog If you enjoy writing and expressing yourself (or posting videos and pictures of yourself!) start a blog! You never know where it will go Even if you don't become famous or widely sought after, you can still enjoy being a part of the Information highway!

Copper.net is a provider of Columbus Ohio DSL. Sign up online or by calling our toll free number! 1-800-336-3318. Check out more helpful tips at http://www.copper.net/wire]]> http://www.morefreeinformation.com/Art/17917/98/Top-Five-Reasons-Why-People-Blog.html http://www.morefreeinformation.com/Art/17915/96/How-People-Communicate-on-the-Internet.html
There are many popular ways that Internet services allow you to communicate with others Some are mostly used to keep up with friends and family Others are for meeting new people or at least asking some questions and getting advice and information Here are a few of the popular ways people communicate through Internet services

*Email: This type of communication is much like letter writing You can write short quick messages, or long ones, include photos or other documents Email is convenient because it is basically free and much faster than sending things through the mail Many advertisers, companies, and clubs have begun communicating primary over email to send letters, bill, and notifications This has saved them a lot of time and money Many people consider email communication "green" or "paperless" and promote it that way

*Instant Messaging: This is especially popular with the younger audience, but easy for anyone to use Instant messaging is a program that you log into with a screen name or username You will then be able to see the screen names of friends who are also logged in at the time You can click on one or multiple screen names and type conversations to each other It's more "real time" than email, because you can respond to each other right away However, you can only talk to people who are currently logged in, so it has its limits

* Webcams: Although they are usually accompanied with instant messaging, webcams offer a very different element to online communication Usually a small device that attaches to your computer, a webcam, or web camera allows you to see the person you are talking to during your conversation If accompanied with a microphone, you can just talk to each other and watch the video screen showing the other person's face This is especially popular with long distance relationships, because it helps the person feel like they're right in front of you

*Chat rooms: This is much like instant messaging, where you contribute to a conversation by typing your responses However, in a chat room, people from all over the world can be logged in Chat rooms are basically a place where anyone (unless they are restricted to certain members) can join into a group conversation Websites that host chat rooms usually have a room for different topics, age or interest groups This way, you are more likely to chat about and find people who have something in common with you Many times people join chat rooms to meet other people, or discuss topics openly with others You can also private message or instant message anyone in the chat room to have a one on one conversation

Forums: A forum is a great way to ask questions from anyone who will know the answer Many times, a website will host a forum so that people can ask questions or post complaints about their website Other times, websites host multiple forums on a certain topic There are often moderators to guide the questions and conversations, so they remain helpful and clean A new forum conversation starts out with someone asking a question or stating something for which they would like feedback Anyone can respond to the first post by replying, as well as reply to post that others made All the responses are organized in a long list under the original post

Whether you want to keep in touch with current friends, meet someone new, or just learn something new, the Internet has many resources for you!

Copper.net is a provider of Columbus Ohio DSL. Sign up online or by calling our toll free number! 1-800-336-3318. Check out more helpful tips at http://www.copper.net/wire]]> http://www.morefreeinformation.com/Art/17915/96/How-People-Communicate-on-the-Internet.html http://www.morefreeinformation.com/Art/17849/94/Software-How-it-Affects-Your-Computer-s-Performance.html
Software is a broad term for any kind of data program or control that operates hardware Most of the time, "software" is used to describe programs that you can install and run on your computer to perform various tasks-from professional or organizational tools, to games and leisurely activities Generally, software is helpful and necessary for your computer If, however, some software on your computer is faulty or malicious, it can have a debilitating effect on your computer

Even if your hardware (the physical pieces that make up your computer) is brand new and well maintained, the software installed on it can greatly improve or deeply interfere with your computer's processing speed, as well as its ability to perform every task

In fact, every piece of hardware, like your modem or printer, needs software, usually called a driver, in order for it to operate and recognize and work with the rest of your computer system This means that if you bought a brand new modem and plugged it into your computer system, but didn't install the driver (or there was something wrong with the driver), you would not be able to use it! Any time software is installed incorrectly, corrupted in some way, or not compatible with your equipment, not only is your software useless, so is your hardware (until you get the software issue fixed)

Sometimes, hardware performs poorly because there is a software-related issue Software can become corrupted or out of date, causing an unexpected loss of function in the hardware If you don't know what caused your hardware to stop working, you might think you need to replace it Of course, buying new hardware means you'll get new software, so that would probably fix the problem But upgrading or reinstalling the software is often quick and easy, not to mention free or at least much less expensive

You can save lots of time and money when you know how to properly troubleshoot hardware failures, as the problem often stems back to the software Also, if you can keep your software upgraded consistently on your computer, you will probably improve your computer speed and efficiency

This is especially good to know when you are connected to the Internet In order for your computer to stay safe and keep up with Internet developments, it needs to have the right software and the software needs to be up to date Many times, a slow Internet connection or problems with Internet downloads or page-loading is software related

There is software in every element of your Internet services: the software running your computer, the software in your network adaptor, modem, router, wireless card, etc , the software program that displays, stores, and fetches Internet pages (i e , Internet Explorer, Firefox, etc ), and the web applications that allow sound, video, animation, and other features to work on webpages Any one of those elements could be malfunctioning or out of date-which means that you would not be able to connect to Internet, or your browsing speed could be significantly slower than the connection speed you are paying for

Understanding how your software works and keeping your Internet software up to date will help you get the most out of your computer and your Internet connection

Copper.net is an all-American owned and operated provider of Maryland DSL. Call today, 1-800-336-3318 or sign up online. More online tips and news can be found at http://www.copper.net/wire]]> http://www.morefreeinformation.com/Art/17849/94/Software-How-it-Affects-Your-Computer-s-Performance.html http://www.morefreeinformation.com/Art/17138/94/Using-the-Internet-to-Connect-with-Others.html
Internet services fulfill many needs in our lives, many of which were once performed in traditional ways The Internet is almost always the fastest and least expensive way to access education, information, and entertainment Another essential need Internet service fulfills is our need to communicate and connect with others Here are a few ways this is possible:

Chat rooms: There are multiple websites that host chat rooms Yahoo com is one of the most prominent sites Other sites have multiple functions and include a chat room All you need is a screen name (like a user name) and sometimes to have an account with the chat room host Many chat rooms are set up on a common theme, like common interests, religions, or causes Anyone who has an Internet service and is on that website at the time can join in the virtual "room" and type their input into a conversation, or simply read the flow of the conversation as it appears on the chat room page You can look for a site that offers dozens of chat rooms or pick a website that supports a cause or interest that also has a chat room

Blogs: A shortened version of weblog, a blog is simply an online journal It can be anonymous or represent a business or organization, but many times is a personal log of events, feelings, ideas, and aspirations, or works of art and expression Many sites let you create and maintain your own blog for free You can start your own blog(s), or read and comment on other blogger's sites, or both!

Forums: While this is conventionally a way to gain information, forums have a variety of purposes from educational and functional to recreational and informal A forum is a place to ask a question or make a statement upon which you would like feedback Other forum members then reply to the original post, and reply to others' replies Many websites have forums where people can ask questions or post complaints about the website itself Other websites host hundreds of forums on topics relating to a profession or hobby, like computers and technology, science, fashion, or music

Groups: This method of "connecting" on the Internet comes in many forms It could be a club organization that also has a website, or it could be a group that is established because of meeting and organizing themselves on the Internet Like chat rooms, groups are often established because of a common theme or cause There are usually components of other types of communication methods used in groups, like chat rooms, message boards (like a forum), and many times an email list is set up for announcements and newsletters Groups help people with a common interest or goal stay organized, updated, and collaborated on projects and ideas

Social networking: This is the most popular way by far to connect with others-both with those you know and to meet new people To join, you usually just need to come up with some account information and create a profile page (usually with a picture) for others to see If you find a popular site like MySpace or Facebook, you can often find profiles of many of your friends There are dozens of activities that can be used to connect with others on social networking sites: message boards, private messages, blog-type areas to post long entries, photo albums, and games

With so many ways to connect, the Internet has countless opportunities for people of all ages and interests to meet new people and stay in touch with friends and family

Internet access is available as little as for $6.95 a month in the US and Canada. Sign up online or call 1-800-456-3118.]]> http://www.morefreeinformation.com/Art/17138/94/Using-the-Internet-to-Connect-with-Others.html http://www.morefreeinformation.com/Art/16440/16/Using-the-Internet-for-Hobbies-Cooking.html
Cooking and surfing the Internet might not seem to have a lot in common, but the ways that the Internet can benefit your love for cooking and baking are more than a baker's dozen! Here are a few tips and ideas of how to get started taking advantage of the many resources the Internet has for culinary masters (or aspiring newbies) like you!

* Find recipes on the Internet You can look up any recipes imaginable on the Internet Start with a search engine and type in the keywords for the name (or a general idea) of the recipe You will then get results from hundreds of websites from all over the world, so you're sure to find what you're looking for!

*Do a recipe search Have more cucumbers than you know what to do with? Craving something pumpkin? You can actually search for recipes containing a certain ingredient You might discover something you never thought of or create a new favorite! The possibilities are endless when you have such a vast resource to look through!

*Learn a new technique Cooking and baking have been around about as long as humans were, yet we are still constantly learning new things about cooking methods and techniques! You can research a new technique, or learn about cooking methods around the world You may learn an easier or more flavorful way of making the same old meals, or try something completely new!

*Learn about nutrition What better way is there than to indulge in your culinary skills than to make a tasty treat that's good for you too? There are hundreds of healthy recipes and tips to cutting down the calories without sabotaging the flavor You can learn secrets to getting your family to eat healthy without making a face! Plus, there's nothing more satisfying than eating a well balanced diet, feeling energized, and learning something new in the process

*Get advice, tips, and answers from other cooks You can learn a lot from someone who's done it a hundred times! Thankfully, the Internet is a great way to connect with others! There are forums, chat groups, and other online clubs full of food lovers just like you You can not only share stories and make friends, you can get advice and tips that will make your kitchen time easier You might even be able to share from advice of your own to others who have questions on the stuff you tackled You'll love the community and camaraderie you'll find in online cooking clubs

*Learn about cooking all over the world! You can research customs from all around the world, including recipes and techniques Because of the unique opportunity the Internet gives you to explore the world from your own home, learning about cross-cultural practices is easy! You can even get recipes and cooking techniques that are actually printed on websites of other countries Thanks to tools like Google Translate, you can not only search for keywords on websites in other languages, you can have the websites translated as you retrieve them! This makes authentic foreign cooking possible!

*Order cooking supplies online! With hundreds of stores and both used and new products online, you have an endless supply of cooking utensils, cookbooks, and cookware to choose from Plus, they'll be shipped right to your door!

If you love being in the kitchen, you will love what the Internet has for you!

Internet access is available as little as for $6.95 a month in the US and Canada. Sign up online or call 1-800-456-3118.]]> http://www.morefreeinformation.com/Art/16440/16/Using-the-Internet-for-Hobbies-Cooking.html http://www.morefreeinformation.com/Art/16435/94/Using-Search-Pad-on-Yahoo-Search.html
When you research a certain topic, especially if it's something you'll need to reference again later, it's nice to have a convenient way to keep track of which of the search results you liked to avoid wading through your history or having to practically start over from the search results next time

Here's a unique way, provided by Yahoo!, to help you keep track of search results, then write and save notes about the pages you visited during your research for future reference To use this feature, you should have an account with Yahoo! so you can save your notes

When you perform a search on Yahoo!, you'll see the typical search results (sponsored, then web) page below Along the left sidebar are other options to aide or narrow down your search You'll find the Search Pad button on the left sidebar, near the top, on any search results page You can click on it at anytime during your research to add notes, delete websites, or review notes Your notes will be saved for each keyword search you perform Here is an example of how you can use the Search Pad

* You search for "Dell Laptops" and click on the first result
* After browsing around for some time you don't really find anything cool Click back until you get to the search results for "Dell Laptops"
* Click on the Search Pad You will see a thumbnail and the url of the website you just visited Click the "X" beside the website to delete it from your notes, or make a note that it didn't have anything helpful
* You click on the next link, and viola! You find the laptop of your dreams! But it's really expensive, so you want to look for more options Click back
*Click on the Search Pad again You'll see the second website you just visited listed here Type a note under this site with the specs and price (or whatever notes you need to make, e g , "loved it! - a little pricey") so you can remember this site for later reference
*Click on the next search result, and continue to make notes on sites you visit

By the time you've visited ten different websites, you'll not only have looked at a variety of sources and had opportunity to compare prices, etc , you'll also be able to remember which of all those websites had the items you wanted, prices, and whatever other notes you've made Plus, you can edit notes to add additional information about the site, click on a link to the site from the notes, and access the notes on a later date in case you need to search again on another day!

Search pad can be used for comparing items and prices from different website when shopping They can also come in handy for doing research for papers and projects-or even your own interest-to help you remember what information you found where for citing purposes later Use Search Pad for those searches you make frequently (like health, movies, or news) to help you remember which websites have the best information

Shopping online is fast and convenient, but trying to remember urls or typing up a research notes page can be a hassle With Yahoo com, you can search for top websites listing the products or information you need, plus have a way to remember which one had which!

Written by Hannah Miller, Director of Online Marketing and Customer Service Rep, Copper.net. Copper.net is a nationwide Internet Services provider that is all-American owned and operated. Call today, 1-800-336-3318 or sign up online. Check out my blog for this and more great articles! http://www.copper.net/wire]]> http://www.morefreeinformation.com/Art/16435/94/Using-Search-Pad-on-Yahoo-Search.html http://www.morefreeinformation.com/Art/16425/94/Search-Tips-and-Advice-for-Yahoo-Searches.html
The following information is great for beginner searchers to know about performing search queries on Yahoo! The following tips and advice are also helpful for intermediate searchers who have trouble finding more difficult queries

1 Start with more specific keywords Instead of "Halloween", try "women's witch costume", or instead of "cars", search for "2005 mustang convertible" This is especially necessary when you're searching for something that can easily be mistaken to mean something else, like nails (carpentry or finger?)

2 Use shortcuts when necessary If you want to search for something and include or exclude results containing another word, you can add a + right in front of the word you want to include, or a - right in front of the word you want to exclude For example, "Gap sweater -pink" will show you all the sweaters that aren't pink!

3 Use quotes for exact phrases If you want to find lyrics or lines from poems or stories, etc , you can type quotes around the exact phrase you're looking for, like "Twas the night before Christmas" This way you can rule out "related" websites that only have a few of the words, or the same words in a different order

4 Try multiple searches If you want to search for multiple words at once, add OR in between the words that can vary For example, search "stallion pony OR horse" if you want information on either ponies or horses (or if you don't know how they will be listed on websites)

5 Try search categories Want pictures? Are you planning to buy the items? You may want to try the "Images" or "Shopping" headings along the top of the search bar You can click more for more categories, like "News" or "People" or "Answers"

6 Try the Search Assist suggestions When you begin typing your search query, you may see a drop down list of suggestions (if you don't see it, click on the down arrow tab under the search bar to pull down the list of suggestions) This is Yahoo's Search Assist feature It gives you suggestions to help you find what you're looking for more quickly It is based on previous searches from other Yahoo! searchers

7 Try the advanced options After you have performed a search (or by going to search yahoo com), you can see the "Options" link to the right of the Search button The first option on the list is "Advanced Options" From here you can specify multiple restrictions and specifications You can specify to only list sites that were updated at a certain time, have a certain domain, or come from a certain country or language

8 Check out Search Preferences Also available in the "Options" menu from tip 7 is "Preferences" This is where you can make advanced settings to all your Yahoo! searches Of course, you would want to have an account with Yahoo! and be logged in so these settings will be saved

For more information about Yahoo! searches and help, check out www yahoo com

Written by Hannah Miller, Director of Online Marketing and Customer Service Rep, Copper.net. Copper.net is a nationwide Internet Services provider that is all-American owned and operated. Call today, 1-800-336-3318 or sign up online. Check out my blog for this and more great articles! http://www.copper.net/wire]]> http://www.morefreeinformation.com/Art/16425/94/Search-Tips-and-Advice-for-Yahoo-Searches.html http://www.morefreeinformation.com/Art/16338/94/Performing-a-Web-Search-on-Yahoo.html
Internet services give you access not only give you access to friends, family, and entertainment, it is also becoming a growing and sometimes primary source for news, research, and education Many websites are dedicated to sorting out all the websites available on every imaginable subject- search engines like Yahoo com Yahoo! is a popular search engine that provides other services It's a one stop shop for a variety of services If you need information on recent news events, want to learn about a new subject or more about topics that interest you, the best way to get that information is on a search engine like Yahoo!

For starters, just go to www yahoo com You'll see a search bar right at the top of the page, as well as news stories and a plethora of other tools and resources that might interest you From the search bar, type the keywords that best match what you're looking for, like "Civil War heroes", or "Guess jeans" You may notice Search Assist, a drop down list from the search bar suggesting related topics to help you find what you're looking for

When you click "Search", you'll be redirected in a fraction of second to a list of thousands, maybe millions of websites that have the keywords and related information to the search you just performed, in order of importance and relevance At the top and along the right side are sponsored results, that is, companies who pay to be listed at the top for the keywords that you entered Underneath that is the generic list of web results that match your search best

Along the left are more search tools and resources First, you'll see the "Search Pad" It's like a notepad for your Yahoo! searching research Search Pad automatically keeps track of the results you click on For every search you perform, you can make individual notes about the sites you visited for future reference You must have a Yahoo account to save Search Pad notes

Under the Search Pad button is the "Search Scan" button This is a courtesy feature that allows you to be safe while surfing on Yahoo As long as you keep Search Scan on, you will be notified of potentially dangerous websites This will help keep your identity and information private and help you avoid contracting a virus or spyware on your computer

The next section has "Enhanced Results", or, filters to narrow your search results those listed on other popular websites For example, you may see "Wikipedia", or "Yahoo! Shopping" for the keywords you entered to get specific results that appear on that particular site This is helpful if are familiar with the sites they suggest and decide that you want to pursue listings on that site further The great thing about the site filters is that you'll know these are probably reputable sites, otherwise Yahoo! wouldn't be recommending their site to you This is not true for the generic web results They may not be legitimate or reliable sources, instead they just contain the right amount of data to show up on the search results

Other options may be available, depending on what you search for, and are helpful ways to guide you to the exactly what you are looking for, or maybe even show you something new that you weren't!

Written by Hannah Miller, Director of Online Marketing and Customer Service Rep, Copper.net. Copper.net is a nationwide Internet Services provider that is all-American owned and operated. Call today, 1-800-336-3318 or sign up online. Check out my blog for this and more great articles! http://www.copper.net/wire]]> http://www.morefreeinformation.com/Art/16338/94/Performing-a-Web-Search-on-Yahoo.html http://www.morefreeinformation.com/Art/16336/94/Using-the-Search-Assist-Feature-on-Yahoo.html
Have you ever come to a dead end when performing an online search? Or have you come to way too many options and need to figure out how to get more specific results? Yahoo com is not only a great search engine who's got the experience and connections to get you the web results you need, it also provides several tools and resources to help you know how to search and broaden or narrow down your search queries Search Assist is a tool built into the Yahoo! search bar that makes finding what you are looking for a lot easier Keep in mind that search assist will work whether you have an account with Yahoo! or not, but if you want to save settings for later use, you should probably have an account and be signed in

Search Assist is based on other searches performed by other users With the billions of daily visitors Yahoo gets, they're sure to know a little bit about what you might be looking for Search Assist helps you in two ways; 1, they give you suggestions of related searches based on what you've typed so far, and 2, even after the search, they'll give you related topics to narrow down the current results list It's like a double search engine! Here's an in-depth explanation on these two functions:

1 Search suggestions
When you begin to type in the search bar on Yahoo's home page, you should see a small tab with an arrow pointing down If you click this arrow, you'll get a drop down list of suggestions of what you might be looking for For example, if you type "bike", Search Assist will list "dirt bike", "bike trader", and "mountain bikes" as some of the possible suggestions You can then click the down or up arrow below to see more options on the list of suggestions You can click any of the suggestions to be redirected to the search engine results for that suggestion

Even after you've performed a search, you'll still be able to click the down arrow tab under the search bar to bring up search suggestions The suggestions will be listed on the left Again, you can click up or down arrows to see more suggestions available and clicking on any of these suggestions will perform a search query on those keywords

2 Related Concepts
You will most likely get over a million results for generic search terms So if you want to find something more specific after you completed a search, you can search again from the results currently displayed Click on the Search Assist button (the down arrow directly below the keywords inside the main search bar) Search assist is now divided in two categories As mentioned above, search suggestions are on the left On the right is the related concepts section You will most likely not see the keywords you typed originally, but instead, you'll see popular related topics that might be closer to what you wanted in the first place For example, if you have searched for "handbag" and you got 77 million results, you can then choose from some related concepts, like "Coach hangbag", "fashion", or "designer purses" and search again from those 77 million sites There's also an arrow to the right of the list for more related concepts

You can edit your search assist preferences to include more or less suggestions, or to turn off suggestions completely In order to save these settings, you should be signed in to your Yahoo! account

Copper.net is an all-American owned and operated provider of Maryland DSL. Call today, 1-800-336-3318 or sign up online. More online tips and news can be found at http://www.copper.net/wire]]> http://www.morefreeinformation.com/Art/16336/94/Using-the-Search-Assist-Feature-on-Yahoo.html http://www.morefreeinformation.com/Art/16223/94/How-to-Customize-Your-Yahoo-Homepage.html
Yahoo com is a quick reference for making your Yahoo! homepage the most ideal for you If you don't know much about Yahoo!, or you haven't spent very much time looking at the features Yahoo offers, you may not have realized how in-depth and useful their resources can be If you customize Yahoo com just the way you want it, not only will it fit your personal taste, but also provide you with the ultimate resource for just about every Internet service you need!

*Colors and Themes*
One way to customize Yahoo com is changing very basic layout edits, like the background color This isn't really a crucial aspect of Yahoo com, but it is a fun and interactive way that Yahoo! allows you to express your personality You don't have to have an account with Yahoo to make these changes Yahoo! recognizes your computer, so the preferences you select are based on the computer that accessed their site This unfortunately also means that you may not be able to save settings on the Yahoo site for more than one user per computer

From the top right side of the Yahoo! homepage, click "Page Options" The first heading is "Select Color" Choose one of the six colors to change the background color of the page

*View*
There are two views for the Yahoo! homepage layout The compact view is great for easier loading or if you prefer simplicity Compact view is also ideal if you are on dial-up or a similar slow connection You will notice that, in the compact view, you have a "My Favorites" box in the top right corner It has links to the most popular Yahoo features, as well as links to other sites that you might want to go to for news, research, entertainment, or social media updates This list can be edited if you click the "Add" or "Edit" buttons There are over a hundred links to choose from!

The full view is a more interactive, multimedia view Instead of having the small box of links on the right, there's a large list on the left with the same links The links mentioned above (when in the full view) are web applications, or web apps Each app, if hovered over, will load a small preview window that slides out to the right Because of its animated quality, it is more functional than a link because many times the preview is sufficient This saves time you would spend navigating to each of these sites separately However, it can also be more time consuming, 1, because the preview is not full featured, and 2, because it will take a few seconds just to load the preview if you have a slow Internet connection Also, in order to use many of the previews, you will have to be logged in to the site or at least to Yahoo Once you have logged in and your information is saved, this can be very convenient

Of course, you can avoid hovering and getting previews altogether by simply clicking on the link and opening the corresponding website The "Add" and "Edit" buttons are also available here to customize the apps that are displayed

*Apps Gallery*
As mentioned above, you can "Add" or "Edit" the links or apps that are listed on the homepage Yahoo offers over a hundred apps in their Apps Gallery They range from finance to entertainment to techie news and resources All of the original Yahoo services are available here as well, like Mail, Answers, and Music, etc Yahoo! makes having a homepage that has tools that you want easy! It also provides a way for you to not have to see what you don't want-but with the option to change your mind later

Take your time to look around in the Apps Gallery You might find fascinating resources you didn't even know about! Once you have the page tailored to your tastes, you might find yourself using Yahoo a lot more than before!

Copper.net is an all-American owned and operated provider of Maryland DSL. Call today, 1-800-336-3318 or sign up online. More online tips and news can be found at http://www.copper.net/wire]]> http://www.morefreeinformation.com/Art/16223/94/How-to-Customize-Your-Yahoo-Homepage.html http://www.morefreeinformation.com/Art/15902/94/Yahoo-A-Community-Search-Engine.html
With the rise of Internet services and Internet usage, using online resources is more common, recommended and preferred Yahoo com is a long-standing website that offers a large variety of services, all basically for free Yahoo com was founded in 1994 by Jerry Yang and David Filo According to Gulliver's Travels, "yahoo" means "rude, unsophisticated and uncouth", which is where the name first originated! Yahoo! is now by far one of the most popular websites and has kept that popularity for quite some time Here are a few of the most popular services Yahoo! offers:

*Search*
The best way to find the websites you're looking for, Yahoo's high-powered search engine shows you results for queries in a fraction of a second! There are multiple categories to search, like Images, Shopping, etc , to further narrow down your search if there's something in particular you'd to find Further tools like SearchScan (protects you from harmful sites) and Search Pad (helps you keep track of sites) are available to make a convenient and effective search process

*News*
Whether you need to stay informed on the top political, local, or world news, or you like to keep up with celebrities and other entertainment news, Yahoo has got you covered You'll even find some interesting and amusing stories that will keep you entertained You can get daily updates or search for news stories you'd like to find

*Email/Chat/Instant Messaging*
Yahoo provides many ways to communicate and get connected These and other communication and social media tools have been popular and growing for some time You can keep up with friends and family, meet new people and more, all from one email address!

*Self-help tips and resources *
Anytime you open Yahoo's homepage, you are often likely to come across helpful tools and tips that improve your health, relationships, and home Many of these articles have valuable information geared towards the particular season or holiday that is approaching You can always learn something new on Yahoo com!

*Maps*
Find directions to your friends or plan a road trip across the country! You can look up the location of any address and quickly get directions to that location from your address

*Weather*
Since Yahoo com is personalized for you, you can save your local information This means that anytime you access Yahoo!, you'll be able to quickly get weather updates

*Games*
Yahoo! Games are of the most popular on the Internet They are quick and easy to load and there are genres for everyone You can play them online or download free versions to play on your computer offline

*Movies*
Get a quick summary of movies currently playing-or any older movie You can find summaries, reviews, trailers, ratings, and cast listings You can search for movies by the title or by actors/actresses

Check out Yahoo com for more details! It helps to have a Yahoo! account so you can access all the tools and resources Yahoo com's home page is highly customizable, so you can set it up just the way you want it, with the things you want and need right where you want it

Written by Hannah Miller, Director of Online Marketing and Customer Service Rep, Copper.net. Copper.net is a nationwide Internet Services provider that is all-American owned and operated. Call today, 1-800-336-3318 or sign up online. Check out my blog for this and more great articles! http://www.copper.net/wire]]> http://www.morefreeinformation.com/Art/15902/94/Yahoo-A-Community-Search-Engine.html http://www.morefreeinformation.com/Art/15897/94/Antivirus-Programs-A-Basic-Introduction.html
An antivirus program is a software tool that works to protect your computer from viruses and other malware A virus is a replicable malicious code that can attack your computer and cause it to run slowly, crash, or be hacked into by those who create them New viruses are constantly being created, perhaps even over a hundred a day An antivirus program is the first and most important step to keeping your computer safe-especially if you are connected to a network or the Internet

Antivirus programs check for viruses every time you open a file or program, any time a scan is prompted by the user, and whenever it is scheduled to scan your entire computer They look for viruses or virus threats in two ways, 1, by looking for virus codes, or signatures, based on a database of known viruses, and 2, by looking for potentially threatening or suspicious behaviors based on viral patterns

The first method is clearly the most effective, but only if the database is up to date In order for an antivirus program to detect a virus from a database of known viruses, antivirus programs need an Internet connection to stay up to date They download new virus definitions daily or whenever you connect in order to stay on top of antivirus threats These updates are critical to an antivirus program's effectiveness Even the best antivirus program cannot detect a virus if it doesn't know about it yet!

The second method offers a more immediate form of protection, however, since it only can detect suspicious behavior, they could all be false alarms If too many of these incidents happen, the user will most likely stop heeding these warnings, and therefore, could become useless

If you do not have an antivirus program running on your computer, you should install one now Most subscription antivirus programs are between 20-60 dollars a year, and provide the most thorough protection Some people prefer the free antivirus programs, which offer scans, virus updates, and sometimes other helpful anti-malware tools Free programs, accompanied with safe computer practices, should be sufficient for most users, but subscription programs may be better, especially for novice users, since they require little user supervision

Antivirus programs in and of themselves do not protect you from other kinds of malware, like spyware, etc , unless they specify that they have such additional tools A good firewall is recommended in addition to an antivirus program to prevent access from these other disguised forms of malware

There are many aspects to safe computer practices that should be followed to avoid becoming infected with any kind of malicious software Many viruses are contracted from email attachments, so you should never open one you don't recognize Spyware and other disguised malware usually comes in the form of a download or packaged with one

They might appear to be a "cool" game/screensaver/program, a "safety" tool like a virus scanner/ computer cleaning program, or a "necessary" add-on If you don't need it, you don't recognize it, or you didn't ask for it, you probably shouldn't download it-especially if it appears "spammy" Research a program before you download it If a product is legit, you will most likely find several recommendations by reputable websites

You can find more helpful tips on how to recognize malicious software and practice computer safety online

Written by Hannah Miller, Director of Online Marketing and Customer Service Rep, Copper.net. Copper.net is a nationwide Internet Services provider that is all-American owned and operated. Call today, 1-800-336-3318 or sign up online. Check out my blog for this and more great articles! http://www.copper.net/wire]]> http://www.morefreeinformation.com/Art/15897/94/Antivirus-Programs-A-Basic-Introduction.html http://www.morefreeinformation.com/Art/15784/13/Using-the-Internet-for-Crafts-Ocean-Floor-Scene.html
If you like arts and crafts, and you're looking for a fun beginner-level activity, the following is a great activity for you and your family or friends What you'll be making is a chalk drawing of the ocean floor, full of seaweed, shells, and ocean life Here are the supplies you need:

* A computer with an Internet connection, word/writer program, and a printer attached to it
* Computer/printer paper
* Scissors
* Black construction paper-one sheet for each scene (and maybe a few extras for mess ups!)
* Colored chalk (at least 5 different colors is preferable)
* A roll of paper towels


Before you start you'll want to do a little prep work But instead of drawing everything free hand, you'll be using stencils So you'll need to get your stencils first Here's where the Internet access comes in On Google, or any other search engine, perform an image search for "sea creatures" or "ocean animals", etc , to get started Basically you're looking for some outlines or solid (but recognizable) silhouettes of different sea animals, like sharks, sea horses, fish, dolphins, and even some coral and shells-anything you want! If you can also search for specific things like "stingray stencil" if you there's something you want to be sure to include in your ocean picture

When you find images you want to use, you can click the image, then click the link to see the picture in full size Then right-click on the image and click copy Open Microsoft Word or a similar office document that will allow you to paste images Click paste You may want to adjust the image settings, like resizing it or placing it in front of text so that you can fit more than one image on a page You may also want to adjust the size of the image so that it is proportional to the other animals However, you can leave a few over sized animal larger in proportion to the other if it is going to be in the foreground This will create depth in your picture, so you can plan ahead for that if you wish

Once you have the stencils you want, print the pages of stencils and cut out the inside of the stencil Be careful to not cut anywhere outside the shape of the stencil or silhouette This can be done by punching a hole with one blade of your scissors in the middle of the shape, then cutting outward toward the edges of the stencil

Now you are ready to start the scenic ocean floor! The trick to this project is that you don't actually draw on the black paper First, cut a wavy line lengthwise in a sheet of computer paper or scrap paper Lay the wavy edge along the bottom of your black paper Draw along the edge of the computer paper with a piece of chalk Be sure to push hard to get plenty of chalk dust on the paper Next, grab a paper towel sheet and gently rub the chalk down onto the black paper This will create a wavy line of chalk dust on your paper that gently fades to black You can move the wavy edge of your paper to several other places on along the bottom of your black paper and repeat this first step to get a three-dimensional look Again the concept is drawing on the white paper to get a line of chalk dust When you wipe onto the black paper, the dust will be brightest nearest the line and slowly fade to black You may have redraw the chalk line a few times to get more chalk dust to rub off

Next come the animals In the same manner, lay the stencil on top of the black paper Draw a chalk line on the computer paper all around the outside edge of the stencil Then, take your paper towel and rub in from all directions onto the black paper When you move your stencil, you should have a chalk image of the stencil that has a brighter edge and fades toward the center

If you want to explore with colors and effects, you can use several different colors of chalk for the same stencil, like a bright color for the top half, or you can make stripes by drawing chalk sections instead of one outline around the stencil You have to be sure to rub the chalk dust straight up and down to a vertical stripe effect Have fun! You can make endless ocean scenes With the abundance of webpages online, you have a never ending supply of fun stencils to try!

Internet access is available as little as for $6.95 a month in the US and Canada. Sign up online or call 1-800-456-3118.]]> http://www.morefreeinformation.com/Art/15784/13/Using-the-Internet-for-Crafts-Ocean-Floor-Scene.html http://www.morefreeinformation.com/Art/15758/169/Using-the-Internet-for-Hobbies-Hunting-and-Fishing.html
If you love to spend your days catching game, you most likely spend a lot of time outside Now you'll have something to do when the night hours or bad weather has you cooped up inside The following are some tips on how you can use the Internet to benefit your hunting and/or fishing hobbies

*Learn about different/new hunting and fishing techniques
Ever wondered how the pros make it look so easy? Is there something you're missing? Or do you simply want to try a new method to luring in animals or getting those fish to bite? You can search for any combination of keywords for what you want to learn more about Search engines like Google and Yahoo can help you navigate through the hundreds of websites to find exactly what you're looking for You may even run across new information that you weren't even looking for!

*Find hunting/fishing groups online There is a chat room, blog, or forum for everyone's interests You can learn about hunting and fishing related events in your area, or simply be able to chat with enthusiasts of your favorite sport You can get and give advice, tell stories about the One That Got Away, and find out about different types of hunting and fishing all over the world!

*Get supplies! Yes, even you can shop online The Internet isn't just a place for your wife to max out the credit card on more clothes! There are websites just for you! Just perform a search in the shopping category of a search engine or look up the address for your favorite game supply store Most of the big name stores, like Cabella's, have their own website You can browse and shop for the same things you'd find in the store Plus, you can often find deals, a larger variety, and more stores to search in and compare prices There's no end to supplies you'll find-probably some you didn't even think of! If you're looking for something specific, like a certain kind of scent or bait, you should be able to find it in just a minute or two!

*Show off your catch! There's nothing more fun than sharing those awesome pictures of the Big One that you DID catch! The Internet is not only a great place to get information, but also to share it-with the whole world! You can usually set up a free account with a social networking site, or maybe a hunting or fishing club your discovered Then all you have to do is upload your pictures with you and that whopping fish you caught, or holding the massive antlers of your best buck

The vast resources of Internet access is nearly limitless, and there's something for everyone So get online and find those websites geared toward people just like you!

Internet access is available as little as for $6.95 a month in the US and Canada. Sign up online or call 1-800-456-3118.]]> http://www.morefreeinformation.com/Art/15758/169/Using-the-Internet-for-Hobbies-Hunting-and-Fishing.html http://www.morefreeinformation.com/Art/15682/117/YouTube-The-Ultimate-Video-Search-Engine.html
YouTube is the perfect combination of, well, you and the tube! This website is growing in popularity-and for a great reason You can find almost any video clip on this website! Whether you're trying to find a clip from your favorite movie, find music videos of your favorite artist, look up a movie trailer, or find a funny commercial or short, chances are you'll find it on YouTube Plus, you find a whole pile of things you didn't expect to find either!

Basically, YouTube is a place to share whatever video/movie you want You must be a member of YouTube to post and share videos They can be home videos, like video blogs or just funny/interesting/silly clips, or they can be clips of TV shows, movies, music videos, etc You do not have to be a member of YouTube to watch videos, but some of the features, like rating or commenting on videos, are restricted to members

When you first enter the home page, www youtube com, you see several categories:
* Videos Being Watched Now-compiled of popular clips playing right at that moment
* Featured Videos-a collection of popular clips that have received high ratings from viewers
* Most Popular-shows the top most watched video in multiple categories, like Politics, Sports, and Entertainment

When you click on the thumbnail of a movie you wish to play, you will be redirected to a page that plays the video on the top left To the right is more information about the clip-the member who shared it, the date it was posted, a brief description of the video and tags

Under the video you'll see the Play/Pause button, the button indicating the progress of the movie, the time/duration meter, and the volume adjuster Next to that is a newly added "HD" button that allows you to view the video in high-definition This is not available for all movies and requires additional settings on your computer The next button allows you to expand the movie that is currently playing into full screen mode The last button on this bar will allow you to switch to closed caption, if it's available for the video

Under the main feature bar is the rating and the number of ratings this movie received To the right is the number of times that particular video has been viewed From there, there are further options and comments on the clip These features are largely for members only On the right, there are links to more videos from the member whose video you are currently watching, and related videos Links to related videos also display at the end of any video that you play
At the top of any YouTube page is the search bar to search for videos You can enter keywords based on what you're looking for, or narrow your search by clicking on the "Videos", "Channels", or "Shows" link When you click on one of these links, you'll see a listing of the most popular results, along with a wide variety of categories on the left, ranging from Education to Music to Pets & Animals

If you're looking for something in particular or you're just bored, look up YouTube com You can easily find yourself spending an hour or two finding entertaining movies! Who knows? You might learn something new or find a great icebreaker for your next party!

Copper.net is an all-American owned and operated provider of Maryland DSL. Call today, 1-800-336-3318 or sign up online. More online tips and news can be found at http://www.copper.net/wire]]> http://www.morefreeinformation.com/Art/15682/117/YouTube-The-Ultimate-Video-Search-Engine.html http://www.morefreeinformation.com/Art/15219/94/Using-Dial-up-for-Internet-Research.html
Internet research can be a great research, but a little tricky since there isn't much of a checks and balances set up to make sure what people are posting and promoting is actually legit Here are some ways to wade through the endless amounts of websites and get you what you are looking for The following websites will get you to the right information quickly so you don't have to waste your precious loading time on dead ends!

*Google com Google is the number one website and the leading search engine-by far! There's a reason for that Google is fast (great for dial-up users!) and accurate (great for anyone who doesn't want to waste time!) They have complicated algorithms (a mathematical and techie method of determining a website's worth) that help rank the best websites at the top of the page This will help you save time and avoid the phonies! There are a number of resources and tools that will help you find what you're looking for Check out Google's help pages for more details!

*Wikipedia com Although this may not necessarily be a well-renowned source by scholars and professors, it's an awesome place to start Wikipedia is an online encyclopedia that's been written, edited, and posted by people who use it Anyone can add to it, which is why its authority is questioned, but usually it's pretty close It's great for getting a gist of confusing terms and can be a great place to get some basic facts, context, and history quickly Then you can do more research elsewhere to get more details or verify the facts All you have to do is start with a keyword for your research Many entries will hyperlink other words in the entry that you can click on to get the encyclopedia entry for that word! This way you won't be too confused At the bottom of the page is a list of the sources that were cited for the entry you just read Most of them are links to other websites You can click these links for more details and also use them as a resource!

*Ask com This search engine is a long standing resource for online research It search page is made perform searches in the form of a question The sources it cites are typically reputable and helpful for research needs

*Dictionary com Many times, research simply starts with (or eventually requires) just looking up some definitions! Dictionary com gives you fast definitions, plus, you can look up the same word on the Thesaurus, Encyclopedia, and Web Search tabs In one click you get all these tools looking up the same word!

These sites are some great place to start to get some valuable research done! In no time, you'll have some key websites that are worth citing, and some great notes for your paper or project! Don't forget to copy the URL of the sites that you find any valuable (even just a little) information with your notes This way you won't have to find them again later Also, when using dial-up, it helps to not try to surf more than two sites at a time

Written by Hannah Miller, Director of Online Marketing and Customer Service Rep, Copper.net. Copper.net is a nationwide Internet Services provider that is all-American owned and operated. Call today, 1-800-336-3318 or sign up online. Check out my blog for this and more great articles! http://www.copper.net/wire]]> http://www.morefreeinformation.com/Art/15219/94/Using-Dial-up-for-Internet-Research.html http://www.morefreeinformation.com/Art/15218/134/Shopping-Online-with-Dial-up.html
If you have dial-up, you may be concerned about the disadvantages you have in comparison to a broadband user It's true that dial-up isn't as fast, but you should still be able to perform the majority of tasks that others do For example, shopping is of the most popular Internet pastimes Here are some ideas if you would like to shop online with dial-up, plus a few tips that will make your dial-up connection bearable

*Start with a search engine shopping tool Google, Bing, and Yahoo all have a unique shopping tool that will allow you to look up anything you want to buy They will instantly show you the top results from hundreds of websites! All you have to do is browse through the results and click on the one you are interested in, then you'll be taken to the site where you can buy The seller sites will take longer to load, because they always have some fun features, but by using a search engine shopping tool, you can avoid loading 5 or 6 of these sites and searching individually on them to compare prices, etc , because it has already been done for you! To find these search engine shopping tools, just go to the homepage of the search engine, then click the Shopping category heading

*Understand cookies and files Ok, are these things good or not?! Well, it depends Cookies and files save website information on your computer, it's what helps your pages load as well as personal settings, like your login info The reason these things are saved are so you can quickly access the websites you revisit and not have to download the elements that are the same as last time When you revisit or reload a website, the only thing that you are actually downloading it any new information from the website that hasn't been cached on your computer So it's a great thing right? Sure, but every once in a while, especially if you surf over a gargantuan number of different sites, you're computer is saving everything as you go! If this is the case, your browser could be getting bogged down with all that saved info Depending on how much you browse and how many DIFFERENT sites you visit, clearing cookies and files occasionally could make your surfing faster, or just make it slower

*Use favorites and bookmarks! You can save so much time by saving your favorite shopping sites to your favorites 1, You can access them by a few clicks from the browser, 2 If you have Internet Explorer 8, you can opt to exclude your favorites when you clear cookies and files so that all your favorite websites will still be more quickly accessible This will definitely help you save time!

*Start shopping in the right place It really helps to know where you're going to get the things you want to buy ahead of time Browsing and shopping around is probably a waste of time if you don't know which places have the best variety and the lowest prices Here are a few favorite websites with great selections and really low prices!
*Ebay com-they have everything you can think of! Used and new products, better prices than the big stores selling the same things They have antiques, handmade, and other unique items you won't find in stores
*Amazon com-they too seem to have almost everything They specialize in books, music, and movies You can get college books, how-to books, baby, child, young adult, and adult books Get them used, like new, and new for a fraction of a price that you'd find in any bookstore!
*Newegg com-this is the techie place to go! They have all the computer parts, electronics, and info that you need for your technological needs! Plus, they have amazing deals and even let you compare prices of several different brands, models, and sellers!

There are more shopping tips online Just remember to give yourself time and don't try to run too many pages at once You'll just make everything slower!

Written by Hannah Miller, Director of Online Marketing and Customer Service Rep, Copper.net. Copper.net is a nationwide Internet Services provider that is all-American owned and operated. Call today, 1-800-336-3318 or sign up online. Check out my blog for this and more great articles! http://www.copper.net/wire]]> http://www.morefreeinformation.com/Art/15218/134/Shopping-Online-with-Dial-up.html http://www.morefreeinformation.com/Art/15217/52/Keeping-up-with-Sports-on-Dial-up.html
If you love sports, and you have dial-up, you may not have considered that you can get your sports fix from your Internet connection! Sure, you might not be able to get live games, or watch videos of replays and past games, but there are a lot of resources you can take advantage of Here are a few ways you can get sport news and other info and some shortcuts to save time getting there!

*Use a Search Engine If you want to get some quick info fast, you can almost always find it with just a few clicks on a search engine Just type the name of your favorite team and "score" or "players" or whatever else you want to find out in the search bar Most search engines do very well to get you the most relevant information first When you find a result that most matches what you were looking for, click on the link to enter that site Rather than trying to wade through some well known news sites to try to figure out where the sports section is, you will be directed right to the spot when you use a search engine

*Save the good sites you find When you run search queries, the sites you are directed to might just become your new favorite news source! Look around If the site has good info, great commentary, up-to-date information, etc , especially if it has a great layout that loads well on dial-up, you might have a winner! Save this site to your favorites, and next time, all you have to do is come right back to the best source first!

*Subscribe to a blog on sports topics There are an abundance of blogs (kind of like an online journal) written by spectators, professionals, commentators, etc , on all kinds of topics that might interest you To find these blogs, start at Google com Click the "more, " link at the top of the page Find and click "Blogs" on the list of category filters This will perform a search of all the known blogs on the Internet Next, type your topic of interest and search! You can type your favorite sport, team, player, etc Get as specific or broad as you want If there's a blog about it, or at least mentioning your topic, Google will find it If you have narrowed down to your favorite one or two writers, subscribe to the blog to have email updates sent to you, or click the RSS feed button on the top of your Internet browser (check your browser help section to locate it) The RSS feed will show you all new updates from the website in your feeds in plain text, which is great for dial-up users! You won't have to root around all over the website to try to find new information, the feed will bring it to you!

*Find a sports newsletter You can have quick access to general sports news in by having it come to you! Many sports-related websites have a place for you to enter your email address so you can have sport news and updates sent to your email! This is a great way to save time and stay updated fairly easily!

The best way to figure out what's out there and save time is to find it in the first place This might take time to begin with, but it's worth your while when you find those great sites you can depend on

Written by Hannah Miller, Director of Online Marketing and Customer Service Rep, Copper.net. Copper.net is a nationwide Internet Services provider that is all-American owned and operated. Call today, 1-800-336-3318 or sign up online. Check out my blog for this and more great articles! http://www.copper.net/wire]]> http://www.morefreeinformation.com/Art/15217/52/Keeping-up-with-Sports-on-Dial-up.html http://www.morefreeinformation.com/Art/15156/191/Hardware-and-Software-What-s-the-Difference.html
In order to understand the majority of computer processes and how to use, maintain, and repair computers, you have to understand the basics about computers and computer functions Computers are basically made of two parts: hardware and software Here is a description of each

*Hardware-The Parts You Can Touch*
Hardware is basically all the physical parts on a computer Like any other machine, it's the part that you see, touch, and hear Hardware on a computer is like the motor, frame, seats, doors, and windshield, etc , on a car Here are the basic hardware parts on a typical computer (a laptop has most of these, but may be in a smaller, condensed form, and therefore harder to describe)

*Monitor-the part that looks like a TV, the display screen
*Case or Tower-this part, usually underneath the monitor, beside it, or on the floor under your desk, is the "brain" of the computer It also holds the drives, and everything is plugged into the back of it, including the electrical power plug
*Drives-located on the tower, these are the slots and drawers where to put in a flash drive, DVD, or CD so you can open or play it on your computer
*Keyboard-the thing you type on, use shortcuts, and press other buttons
*Mouse-the plugged in gadget that controls where the curser (or pointer) goes on the screen
*Speakers-sometimes a part of your monitor, these can also be separate boxes on one or both sides of your monitor where the sound comes from
*Modem-this is the box that contains the mechanisms to connect to the Internet Note, if you plug a phone cord into the back of your tower, that means the modem is still there, it's just attached to the inside of your tower
*Printer, fax machine, scanner, etc-anything else you plug in to the tower to work with your computer is also considered hardware

Anything else that is physically visible and pertains to your computer and its functions is considered hardware Keep in mind that there are more parts to your hardware that are inside your tower You may need a screwdriver to get to them, but they're still hardware!

*Software-The Commanders*
Software is the stuff you can't touch, but it's what makes it all happen Without software, your computer would be nothing but a complicated pile of metal, plastic, and glass Software is all the programs that display, run, print, save, delete, and connect Every part of your hardware needs software to run Here are a few examples of software you might recognize:

*Solitaire, Minesweeper, Hearts, and Pinball-Yes, your favorite pastime at work! It's all software You might use your mouse to do the clicking, but the display and the saved games and layout is all made up of software
*Windows Media Player, QuickTime, Windows Picture and Fax Viewer, Paint-the software that stores, opens, and runs or displays music and pictures
* Microsoft Office programs, Notepad-these are the programs that help you create, save, and display documents and files

Some software is needed for your hardware to work and run together Drivers are a good example of this Your printer, modem, network adaptor (the part that allows you to connect to wireless or broadband connections), etc all have drivers When you buy a new piece of hardware, it often comes with a CD and when you install the hardware, there are a series of steps that display on your screen This is the software that is installing and configurating your computer so that the hardware will run properly and be recognized as a part of your system Drivers are often the source of a problem when your modem or printer isn't working correctly

When you get a notice that something needs to be upgraded on your computer, this is software-related Your computer is telling you that newer software is available that will improve the performance of your hardware or computer programs

Understanding the difference between software and hardware will help you troubleshoot and maintain your computer You will also be better able to keep your computer fast, safe, and up-to-date without constantly buying new equipment

Written by Hannah Miller, Director of Online Marketing and Customer Service Rep, Copper.net. Copper.net is a nationwide Internet Services provider that is all-American owned and operated. Call today, 1-800-336-3318 or sign up online. Check out my blog for this and more great articles! http://www.copper.net/wire]]> http://www.morefreeinformation.com/Art/15156/191/Hardware-and-Software-What-s-the-Difference.html http://www.morefreeinformation.com/Art/15112/94/Using-the-Internet-for-Hobbies-Art.html
Art has been around for centuries, in many different forms, colors, and shapes The Internet in comparison is very young but quickly growing and expanding to something very useful and educational You can use the Internet to explore and develop your knowledge of art techniques, history, and genres You can also learn to develop your artistic skills or try something new for the first time with the help of Internet services

*Learn about art history You can find dozens of websites on famous artists and artistic movements in different time periods If you have an interest in a particular artist, genre, medium, or era, you can simply enter those keywords in a search engine to find the related websites You may also find other websites that have directories or related links to a variety of eras or subjects of interest to you

*Find art websites, blogs, and forums There are hundreds of art enthusiasts and artists just like you, or that have similar interests You can find many ways to get connected, share art with each other, learn a new style, and ask questions about art techniques and forms Websites will have educational information and other resources you can glean from, blogs will have pictures, stories, and other information from both new and experienced artists Forums exist for almost any topic and are a great place to glean from the experts or share your own wisdom

*Buy art supplies and teaching kits Your local department store may have a few items for your art interests, but they might not have a large variety The Internet on the other hand has nearly every art product you might ever need-from paints to pastels, plaster to papers, you'll find every color, brand, and texture at competitive prices

*Buy works of art Thousands of unique and beautiful artwork of all shapes, colors, and sizes are available from all over the world, thanks to the Internet You can find handmade items from individual sellers, famous works from all eras, artistic antiques from all over the country, and unique foreign art pieces you can't find anywhere else! Plus, you get it shipped right to your door! This is a great way to touch up your home or office in a unique way, remodel your room, or follow a favorite theme, genre, or artist

*Get ideas for you own art work One of the best ways to get started to becoming your own artist is to study works from other artists There are so many ways for different artists and mediums to capture the same things, but each is so unique and beautiful in its own way You could spend hours browsing works of art from famous artists of old, new and inspiring current artists, or maybe just run across amateurs who have an interesting way of expressing themselves

Whether you are just an admirer of artists and art work, or you like to pursue your own artistic talent, you'll find just what you're looking for on the Internet

Internet access is available as little as for $6.95 a month in the US and Canada. Sign up online or call 1-800-456-3118.]]> http://www.morefreeinformation.com/Art/15112/94/Using-the-Internet-for-Hobbies-Art.html http://www.morefreeinformation.com/Art/14956/94/Malware-The-Back-Door-Intruders.html
Malware, otherwise known as malicious software, is any annoying, offensive, or harmful software that gets on your computer, from viruses and worms, to spyware and adware Here's an in-depth explanation of one of those types of malware and how to avoid it

The "back door" malware is the type that you must download on your computer to become infected These intruders are considered "back door" because they are not caught by an antivirus program (though some antivirus programs now have additional malware tools that help prevent them from having access to your computer) They are often disguised as a helpful download or packaged with other programs, especially free download In fact, some malware actually appears to be an antispyware or antivirus program Here a basic description of these intruders

Spyware: This is a type of software that when installed on a computer will give another computer user the ability to have access to your computer in some way What is accessed depends on the specific software They may be able to view your personal files, log what you type on your keyboard to get passwords and credit card information, etc , track what sites you surf or what you click on Usually it is a part of free download or appears to be an add-on that is necessary to download in order to load a website Most users never know these programs are running on their computer and are collecting information Rarely do users have any control over what information is collected Some spyware is basically harmless to you, other than using your system resources, and are simply a marketing technique Others have more malicious intent and can be very dangerous to your privacy These programs are often created by hackers and are poorly built, so they can cause your computer to malfunction, run slowly, or crash because of spyware running in the background

Adware: Similar to spyware, adware is downloaded onto computers, usually without the user realizing it It is often a part of another program, like free downloads Adware, short for advertising software, is any kind of malware that displays advertising both online and offline or while you are using the program you have downloaded Usually adware is simply annoying, but it can be harmful if there is an abundance of adware programs that will use too much of your system resources However, sometimes adware invades your privacy by tracking your surfing habits in order to send you advertising that is related to the searches you've performed and the websites you have visited Adware can be responsible for redirecting your browser to other sites or other search engines, pop-ups, and offline advertising Some free download actually state in their terms of services that there is adware included It's somewhat of a free trade-allowing you to use their software for free if they're allowed to advertise to you or track your surfing for their marketing purposes

As mentioned earlier, these types of malware are not typically caught by a program that is solely antivirus protection An antivirus protection program is like a guard at the front door, keeping out viruses, worms, and other computer harming software Spyware and adware and other related disguised and misleading malware can't be detected by antivirus definitions

In order to protect against backdoor threats, first, check if your antivirus program includes antispyware If not, you probably need to install a firewall or spyware blocker (perhaps both if they don't conflict with each other, but one should be fine ) Pay attention to what you download on your computer Just because something looks "necessary" or "helpful" doesn't mean it is Chances are (especially if you saw it on a banner ad or pop-up) it is actually malware and you need to avoid it

Written by Hannah Miller, Director of Online Marketing and Customer Service Rep, Copper.net. Copper.net is a nationwide Internet Services provider that is all-American owned and operated. Call today, 1-800-336-3318 or sign up online. Check out my blog for this and more great articles! http://www.copper.net/wire]]> http://www.morefreeinformation.com/Art/14956/94/Malware-The-Back-Door-Intruders.html http://www.morefreeinformation.com/Art/14955/94/How-to-Remove-Computer-Viruses.html
Computer infections and attacks are often collectively labeled as computer viruses The actual term would be malware, short for malicious software Viruses, worms, and Trojan horses are all types of malware, and are usually contracted by opening an infected email attachment, or through a network of computers, and sometimes through other types of Internet connections

If your computer starts running slowly for no apparent reason, giving repeated error messages, or unexpectedly shutting down programs or the computer itself, you may have a virus or another type of malware infection Here's what you should do:

1 Get an antivirus program You should have an antivirus program installed and constantly running on your computer, especially if you are connected to a network or the Internet If you don't have an antivirus program, download one immediately If you want to be extra-careful and can afford it, buy a subscription antivirus program They are more in-depth, offer technical support, installation CD's, and other helpful features You can also download free antivirus programs These won't have the features above, but they often include the essentials-computer scanning and automatic updates There are several computer service sites that give ratings on antivirus programs and packages Download com has several recommendations and reviews for free antivirus programs

2 Be sure the antivirus program is updated Even the best antivirus service will be useless to new threats if it hasn't been updated with the most recent virus definitions If you open the antivirus program interface, there is usually a very clear indicator for each category of security that will notify you whether they are updated or running properly If an update is necessary, follow the recommended steps to download the updates You will need to be connected to the Internet to do so

3 Run a full system scan of your computer Also on the antivirus program's interface will be a section for scheduled scans, etc There should be an option available to run a full scan on the computer right away If your computer does detect a virus or threat, follow the recommended actions

4 Download a virus fix (if necessary) Sometimes when your computer detects you have a virus, you can find a virus fix online for that particular virus If you are able and it is necessary search for and download the fix You may need to ask a computer technician to help you with this step

5 Take your computer to a technician If all else fails, it is better to get your computer professionally handled than to let the problem worsen Viruses spread, just like a flu virus, so if you do not handle it right away, it will continue to spread on your computer until it is not longer usable Try to back up your personal files to another computer, CD's, flash drives, or an external hard drive before you take your computer in, as they are sometimes lost in the process of removing viruses

Written by Hannah Miller, Director of Online Marketing and Customer Service Rep, Copper.net. Copper.net is a nationwide Internet Services provider that is all-American owned and operated. Call today, 1-800-336-3318 or sign up online. Check out my blog for this and more great articles! http://www.copper.net/wire]]> http://www.morefreeinformation.com/Art/14955/94/How-to-Remove-Computer-Viruses.html http://www.morefreeinformation.com/Art/14954/94/Seven-Tips-for-Online-Shoppers.html
Shopping can be a rewarding and fulfilling experience It can also be time-consuming and cumbersome The Internet has made shopping easy for people who like to seek out bargains, shop at all hours of the night or day, get unique items, or simply prefer to avoid the crowds and lines Anyone can find something they want or need online, in fact, the billions of sites online can almost be too overwhelming! Here are a few tips to make shopping fun, safe, and easy!

*Take your time There are so many choices online that you don't have to buy the first item you find Look up the same item on several sites, compare shipping times and costs, the quality of the products, and, of course, the price of the item! You might discover that you can save money and maybe even find a better product!

*Use shopping features on search engines Google, Yahoo, and other popular search engines have a "Shopping" category filter you can click on Then, just type the product you're looking for and it will show you a listing of closest related items, the price, and where you can buy it Usually it has a picture attached and a quick link to the site where they found it This is a great way to get a variety of competitive products and prices in an instant from an unbiased source!

*Use favorites or bookmarks If you find an item you really like or a website that has some great products and information, save it to your favorites! You can make folders for different sites, like a folder for clothing websites and a folder for books and music sites Make a "wishlist" folder for pages of individual products you found to keep track of those cool items you don't want to miss!

*Get used items If you want to get a book for school or pleasure, there's no sense in buying a brand new one! Amazon com has almost every book you can possibly think of, and they're sold by individual people just like who are passing on their book to you Not only are you saving money, you're helping out someone else who wanted a few bucks and a clearer bookshelf There's other great used items that vary anywhere from like new household must-haves to unique, handmade, and antique jewelry, clothing, and accessories you can't find in department stores Ebay com is a great place to find almost anything you can think of, from car parts to casserole dishes
*Be inspired! The Internet is a great place to generate new ideas You can "window shop" at hundreds of websites to get a feel for what's out there Who knows? You might find a new style you like or find new ideas for redecorating your home Even if you don't end up buying anything, or not from the Internet, the World Wide Web is still a great place to get ideas

*Find more shopping tips and news You can search online for tips on what to look for and where to find almost anything Want to get a new laptop? Need some hard to find accessories or parts? The Internet is a great place to get educated on finding what you're looking for, how to get a great deal, or how to avoid scams If you find a website you enjoy reading or shopping from, you can add an RSS feed for them to get a quick overview of their latest updates Also, many websites offer email newsletters that you can sign up for to be notified of new features or sales that would interest you!

*Stay safe! Unfortunately, there are a few scams out there trying to steal your money or your identity Make sure you're on the official site for well-known stores, and not a cheap, copy-cat site Don't give out your credit card to individual sellers, instead, use a safe payment site like Paypal or BillMeLater for Ebay purchases from unknown sellers, etc Check the privacy terms and conditions on sites with which you are not familiar Take note of a seller or a websites' reputation before making a purchase Check out the Consumer Reports and the Better Business Bureau for more information if you're not sure how legit a company, website, or item is

Written by Hannah Miller, Director of Online Marketing and Customer Service Rep, Copper.net. Copper.net is a nationwide Internet Services provider that is all-American owned and operated. Call today, 1-800-336-3318 or sign up online. Check out my blog for this and more great articles! http://www.copper.net/wire]]> http://www.morefreeinformation.com/Art/14954/94/Seven-Tips-for-Online-Shoppers.html http://www.morefreeinformation.com/Art/14952/94/Using-the-Internet-for-Hobbies-Fashion.html
The world of fashion is constantly changing and largely various Keeping up with fashion trends, especially from different parts of the world or even the country can be challenging The Internet has opened a big door for you! Here are a few ways you can benefit!

*Get fashion advice and tips There are hundreds of websites devoted to fashion You can find all kinds of information on countless fashion topics, from shoes, to beauty, to couture, you will undoubtedly have hours of reading, colorful pictures, and countless further resources Just run a search on your topic of interest on a search engine to get started Then, you can save the best informative sites to your favorites to keep yourself updated

*Read fashion mags online If you can't afford to get every subscription of all the hott fashion magazines out there, you can still get most of their stories, tips, and resources on their websites You'll get all the essentials-and from all the top magazines, all from your computer

*Read fashion blogs and forums With the increasing spread of Internet usage, blogs are becoming ever more popular and useful You can find new and aspiring bloggers, as well as golden advice and tips from professionals whose opinions and knowledge is esteemed by the experts Forums are a great resource for any topic You can join a forum just to read advice, or you can ask your own questions and even answer some of your own!

*Shop, shop, shop! What better way to indulge in your fashion sense? The Internet features not only the websites and products of all your local department stores and malls, you can shop from stores all over the world! If you know what you're looking for, but not where you want to buy it, just enter the keywords for what you want in a search query Be sure to select the "Shopping" category filter, and you'll get related results, prices, pictures, and a link of where you can buy it! You can compare prices and shipping at a glance With all the hundreds of shopping sites, you're sure to find plenty of options of just what you're looking for!

Internet access is available as little as for $6.95 a month in the US and Canada. Sign up online or call 1-800-456-3118.]]> http://www.morefreeinformation.com/Art/14952/94/Using-the-Internet-for-Hobbies-Fashion.html http://www.morefreeinformation.com/Art/14521/39/Understanding-Your-Windows-Security-System-Windows-XP-and-Older.html
If you have a Windows XP or an older operating system from Windows, you have probably seen several elements of your Windows security system in play Ever seen a little shield emblem in the lower right corner of your computer either warning you your computer might be at risk or notifying you that updates are being installed on your computer? This is your Windows security system To see the in-depth functions and settings, open Control Panel and find the Security Center option The logo is a shield with the four colors of the Windows insignia

When you open the Security Center, you will see three elements of security:
1 Firewall—this element is what keeps your computer from been penetrable by hackers and viruses It blocks anyone from being able to access your computer from the Internet or a network that your computer might be connected to Windows is automatically programmed with a firewall intact and enabled All you have to do is make sure the indicator in the "Firewall" section of your Security Center says ON
2 Automatic Updates—this element downloads security and functionality updates for your computer that Microsoft releases after you buy your computer In a constantly changing technological world we live in, it's often important to stay updated This not only protects you from new and developing security threats but also keeps your computer compatible with new and improving web applications and computer-related programs Again, the indicator should say ON for this feature, or CHECK SETTINGS if you are set to be notified of updates
3 Virus Protection—this element checks that you have an antivirus program running and whether or not it is updated If your antivirus program is out of date, Windows will send you reminders and this element would indicate that there is a problem There are a variety of antivirus programs that are compatible with Windows While some computers come with a free introductory antivirus program installed, Windows does not provide its own anti-virus program You can often download free programs or get a subscription to a paid anti-virus service The indicator for this section will say ON if you have an antivirus program and it has been updated recently, and may say OUT OF DATE or OFF if the programs had not been updated or windows detects that you have no anti-virus installed

Under the Security Essentials listed above, there are three icons for further changes and options:
* Internet Options allows you to make changes to the security settings for web browsing These settings include 4 zones that makeup the categories of webpages you would encounter You can move the slider within each zone to choose the level of security that you prefer for that zone
* Windows Firewall allows you to turn your built in firewall on or off You can also changed advanced settings, like specifying a program that you would like to allow access to your computer You can also choose to not allow any program whatsoever have access to your computer Of course this is only needed for those times when your computer is especially vulnerable, like using an unsecured public wireless connection, etc
*Automatic Updates allows you to control whether or not Windows can automatically update your computer You can turn them on or off, or choose to be notified about updates and installations This would be convenient if you want to wait to update at a time when you are not using your computer for other things

Written by Hannah Miller, Director of Online Marketing and Customer Service Rep, Copper.net. Copper.net is a nationwide Internet Services provider that is all-American owned and operated. Call today, 1-800-336-3318 or sign up online. Check out my blog for this and more great articles! http://www.copper.net/wire]]> http://www.morefreeinformation.com/Art/14521/39/Understanding-Your-Windows-Security-System-Windows-XP-and-Older.html http://www.morefreeinformation.com/Art/14508/94/How-the-Internet-has-Affected-Buying-and-Selling.html
The world of consumerism is quickly evolving into something dramatically different The Internet has opened a significant door to a new way of doing almost everything If you want any credibility as a business, you are almost required to have a website Many stores depend on Internet users as their primary or even sole source of income Others have significantly lost business because of Internet access Let's look at some of the ways that the Internet has changed buying and selling

More online purchases Shopping online is quickly becoming a trend all over the world It provides the convenience of browsing and surfing at home at all hours of the day and having items sent straight to your home It provides a larger variety and availability of products and the competition of sellers all over the country instead of the limited markets in their area

More selling online Many stores highly depend on their online sales and encourage their shoppers to visit their website Some stores and individual sellers depend on the Internet altogether to make a profit, as the Internet has significantly broadened their market To sell online, all you need is products or services, a website, and online advertising To have a physical store, you need all that plus a building to display your items, an area market that has a considerable interest in your products and services, and local advertising This is a lot of hard work and expense for an entrepreneur to handle Anyone trying to start up a local business selling handmade items, antiques, and other unique products can barely survive in a local market-especially in a poor economy And many of them don't

Less local purchases As you can imagine, more online shopping means less need for local purchases Small town markets that at one time were the sole provider of products to their community are now losing business to online shopping of larger businesses that can offer the same products for less

Less local services needed Many local businesses' profits have wained, like the local post offices and libraries, who provide services that are now done online Email and websites have replaced letters, bills, catalogs, magazines, and other advertising that at one time was always sent by mail Online encyclopedias and research resources and used book stores, websites like Netflix and Hulu that make it possible watch movies instantly make trips to the local library less necessary Newspapers are now simply a slow, limited, and more expensive way to get news and entertainment, with the plethora of news, sports, celebrity gossip, and other entertainment-both local and worldwide-that is available on the Internet, who needs that folded up paper on the front porch?

Changes are and will continue to happen because of Internet services Many of them are improving our world, others are bringing the end to things that we probably thought would always be around Those that are able to adapt and grow with rise of Internet usage will sustain themselves, and other have and will see an end to their businesses

Written by Hannah Miller, Director of Online Marketing and Customer Service Rep, Copper.net. Copper.net is a nationwide Internet Services provider that is all-American owned and operated. Call today, 1-800-336-3318 or sign up online. Check out my blog for this and more great articles! http://www.copper.net/wire]]> http://www.morefreeinformation.com/Art/14508/94/How-the-Internet-has-Affected-Buying-and-Selling.html http://www.morefreeinformation.com/Art/14343/94/Shopping-Online-Pros-and-Cons.html
Here's a brief summary of the basic pros and cons of shopping online Perhaps you haven't tried shopping online much, or you simply haven't considered the benefits and downfalls

*The Pros*
1 Shopping online is easy! You simply find the store in which you want to buy something by searching for it on a search engine Then you simple browse the store website or enter the product you want to buy in the store's search bar A few more clicks and then your purchase is complete! Most websites are easy to navigate and give straightforward directions for a very simple and easy shopping experience

2 Shopping online saves time! Ever get tired of driving all over town trying to find the product or brand you want? What about extra trips made to compare prices? Shopping online gives you the convenience of searching for the exact item, brand, and size you want, plus check the prices of competitors, all from your home The amount of time and money you save by browsing and comparing from home is a refreshing itself, not to mention the fact that you never have to leave your home

3 Shopping online is convenient No more standing in line No more sales pitches and cranky cashiers You can browse at your own pace and at all hours of the day online With billions of websites to choose from, find just what you are looking for is easy Plus, the Internet is a great place to try something new and get ideas

*The Cons*
1 Shipping can be a hassle When you shop online, not only do you have to pay for shipping, you have to wait several days or weeks for the items to arrive This can cause frustrations, especially if the item is damaged or not quite what you expected when it arrives Furthermore, returning items is more difficult, as communication must be over the phone or sometimes only by email At times, these returns mean an even greater expense to you

2 The personal experience is lost If you enjoy the colorful displays and welcoming and helpful staff at stores, you would probably miss that experience if you shopped at home all the time If you don't know your way around websites, or have a question about an item, or if you prefer to have someone that can suggest things for you, you may have some trouble getting that kind of service from a website There are helpful tools and other ways to receive online assistance, but it is sometimes not as prompt or as readily available

3 You can't try it on If you're shopping for clothing or other things that are helpful to physically touch or try on before you buy it, you may have some trouble shopping online Websites have made shopping very lifelike over the years, allowing you to see items up close or from several different angles But it will never be the same is seeing it or touching it right in front of you

*Conclusion* Shopping online is great for unique items you can't find in stores and can save a lot of time and money It can also be unsuitable or a less pleasant experience, especially if the nature of your purchase or your personality is better suited in a physical store Thankfully, we have both options to suit whatever need and wants we have

Written by Hannah Miller, Director of Online Marketing and Customer Service Rep, Copper.net. Copper.net is a nationwide Internet Services provider that is all-American owned and operated. Call today, 1-800-336-3318 or sign up online. Check out my blog for this and more great articles! http://www.copper.net/wire]]> http://www.morefreeinformation.com/Art/14343/94/Shopping-Online-Pros-and-Cons.html http://www.morefreeinformation.com/Art/14337/94/Using-the-Internet-for-Hobbies-Sewing.html
In the world of sewing, needle crafts, and clothing design, there are many areas to explore and learn more about Whether you just like mending clothing or creating your own wardrobe and household accessories, the Internet can provide vast resources The following tips will help you get started to make the most of your Internet access

*Order instruction books and movies There are many online bookstores and media vendors who have instruction, how-to, pattern, and do-it-yourself books and videos that can help you learn a new skill or perfect a growing interest You can try new patterns and learn time-saving tricks, or try a new form of needle work: knitting, crochet, appliqué, embroidery, or cross-stitch! Just run a search on Amazon com or another online bookstore for the keyword(s) that matches your interest and browse hundreds of helpful books and videos that you can order from home!

*Buy sewing equipment and other supplies You can buy nearly anything online now If you don't have a nearly sewing store, or your local merchant doesn't carry the brands and styles that appeal to you, you can search online and have anything you want shipped to your door! You can save money by comparing prices of several suppliers and experience the convenience of shopping from home! You can find anything from sewing machines to needles to fabrics to threads and ribbons online

*Find helpful tips and tricks Every type of stitch or other sewing technique can have its challenges With billions of websites on the Internet, there's bound to be quite a variety of websites dedicated to needlecrafts, clothing design, and other homemade arts that appeals to your interest Simply run a search on a search engine like Google or Yahoo for the sewing field that you in which you want more insight You can find free guides, instructions, and advice on many websites on the topics that interest you You might even learn new tools and easier methods to cumbersome sewing challenges

*Join a group of sewing lovers like yourself There are countless chat groups, clubs, and forums for every hobby! You can find a group of likeminded enthusiasts who can give advice and answer your questions You might even be able to lend a helping hand to someone else! Internet access can open doors to communicate with people from all over the world who love sewing and needle work, just like you! You might learn something new or a new technique to a mundane task

*Be inspired Want to try a new style? If you like making clothes and accessories, the Internet is a wonderful place for generating new ideas You can browse countless clothing stores and craft items for new ideas of styles, colors, and patterns to try on your own Let your inventive imagination spring to life with dozens of new designs, without ever leaving the comfort of your home and spending hours window shopping at the mall

Internet access opens a whole new world to you, and it can transform your sewing skills Start surfing now and expand your skills, ideas, and introduce yourself to something new today!

Internet access is available as little as for $6.95 a month in the US and Canada. Sign up online or call 1-800-456-3118.]]> http://www.morefreeinformation.com/Art/14337/94/Using-the-Internet-for-Hobbies-Sewing.html http://www.morefreeinformation.com/Art/14327/94/Common-Types-of-Search-Engines.html
Search engines are a staple of the Internet There are billions of websites and an endless amount of information to be discovered Hundreds of products and services can be attained and achieved with the help of the Internet There are two basic types of search engines that help us find these products and services

Internet Search Engines
Typically, a search engine is referencing a website that catalogs a database of the entire Internet and constantly searches for new content and new websites on the Internet Users access these websites to perform a query of nearly every imaginable subject to find related websites that would have information on the subject of interest The search engine then compiles a list of relevant and substantial websites that best fit the query In short, Internet search engines are like a card catalog or information desk for the entire World Wide Web

The following websites are the most frequently used Internet search engines You have probably heard of and used several of these sites:

Google com-although they have a very simple layout on homepage, Google uses a very complex mathematical algorithm to determine how to rank websites to different keyword searches Google has been a long standing leader in the world of search They also have additional products, like free email accounts, a toolbar, and even their own browser, Google Chrome
Yahoo com-with a much busier homepage, Yahoo offers a variety of tools and additional resources in the form of applications that can all be accessed from an in-depth tab-bar on the home page They also have email account and a toolbar
MSN com-The longstanding search engine engineered by Microsoft, creator of Windows computers, MSN com has a variety of resources much like most search engines The homepage can be customized in a variety of ways, from different colors to local weather, etc
Bing com-A new search engine site created from Microsoft, Bing is designed as a "decision-making" search engine, offering unique features that will help you make decisions in the areas of shopping, entertainment, health, and travel They have features that help you save money, compare products and prices, and view reviews and ratings without leaving their site
Ask com-set up as an encyclopedia, Ask com allow you to perform search queries as a question The results includes a variety of educational and research references in addition to regular search web results

Internal Search Engines
Another type of search engine is a search bar within one website They do not catalog the entire Internet or give you a list of related websites, but they are still a search engine in the way that they catalog products on their website There are a variety of websites that are considered search engines in their own way because of the huge selection of products they have Here are a few that you may have used or heard of:

Amazon com-a "search engine" for books, movies, music, and other miscellaneous products
Ebay com-a "search engine" of anything from antiques to equipment to entertainment media listed for sale by individuals and companies
Wikipedia com-a "search engine" of encyclopedia-type entries on topics, people, customs, history, etc written and edited by individuals all over the world who are experts on the topic

These resources are invaluable sources of information that can be just a useful as Internet search engines There are dozens of uses for the Internet, from education to entertainment to shopping, and so much more Search engines are what organize everything so that navigating about the World Wide Web is possible Otherwise, we'd never know where to start

Written by Hannah Miller, Director of Online Marketing and Customer Service Rep, Copper.net. Copper.net is a nationwide Internet Services provider that is all-American owned and operated. Call today, 1-800-336-3318 or sign up online. Check out my blog for this and more great articles! http://www.copper.net/wire]]> http://www.morefreeinformation.com/Art/14327/94/Common-Types-of-Search-Engines.html http://www.morefreeinformation.com/Art/14021/94/How-to-Use-a-Search-Engine.html
Many people have used search engines for several years It's not hard to get hundreds of relevant results for those hot topic searches, but there may be times when you just can't find what you're looking for There are some techniques that every searcher should know The following clues should help you find just what you are looking for

*Keywords*
Keep your query as basic as possible For example, instead of typing, "what types of apples are best for pie baking", all you need is "apple types baking pie" and you will most likely get what you were looking for The search engine tries to find a website that matches all your keywords, so if you throw in extra words like "what" "best" you might miss out on a website that has just what you want, but didn't have the right wording, etc to match your results

*Query Shortcuts*
When you perform a search, there are a few shortcuts that will help you perform an advanced search from the main search bar:
*To search for an exact phrase, place quotes (") in front and behind the keywords
*To search for one or more words, add "OR" in between those words
*To search for a keyword but eliminate all results also containing another word, place a hyphen (-) exactly next to the word you want to eliminate (e g , "word -eliminate")

*Categories*
Most search engines have multiple ways to specify exactly what you are looking for For example, there are multiple head categories under which you can search for topics, like images, news, and shopping, etc If you are looking for something that would be under such a category, click on that heading, then perform your search to only bring up results within that category This will rule out useless websites with irrelevant information

*Special Search Tools*
If you need directions, stock quotes, or are looking for jobs, movies, books, or cars, check out all the special tools that search engines provide The reason that search engines is a great place too look is because cars com or jobs com just might not have as a wide a variety or may list a more limited selection or promote certain items because of individual self interests of that company A search engine is more likely to provide an unbiased, wide variety You will probably be surprised how many different tools are available They range from techie-geek gadgets, to personals, to scholastic references, to entertainment venues

Here's how to find these special tools on a few of the popular sites:
*Google com-basic categories are listed across the top of the page, click "more" for more categories, and "even more>>" to see a collection of all the special tools
*Yahoo com-most popular tools are listed along the left side If you hover over any of them they'll show a preview page Click "add" at the bottom of the list to see all the available tools
*MSN com-categories are listed under the search bar at the top of the page
*Bing com-basic categories are listed along the left Click the "Explore" button to see every tool

With these selections, you should be able to find your way around billions of websites and quickly find just what you're looking for

Written by Hannah Miller, Director of Online Marketing and Customer Service Rep, Copper.net. Copper.net is a nationwide Internet Services provider that is all-American owned and operated. Call today, 1-800-336-3318 or sign up online. Check out my blog for this and more great articles! http://www.copper.net/wire]]> http://www.morefreeinformation.com/Art/14021/94/How-to-Use-a-Search-Engine.html http://www.morefreeinformation.com/Art/13737/94/What-is-a-Search-Engine.html
A search engine is a website that you can use to find websites or entries relating most to what you are looking for There are several elements that make up a search engine and the process of using it

Query
This is the process which takes place when you use a search engine Basically, a query is the process of asking the search engine to find the subject, name, or place, etc , that you are looking for

Keywords
In order to perform a search for something, you must come up with a word or collection of words that very briefly describes what you are looking for These words are called keywords Typically a keyword string that you enter into a search engine is very brief and doesn't contain many connecting words like and, if, so, etc

Search Results
When you perform a query on your topic of interest, the search results are the listings of related websites, listings, or products, etc , that match your keywords the best In a list of search results, the most relevant is at the top of the page and the second-most relevant is the second entry and so on

Many websites, like Google and Yahoo, predominantly function as search queries for the Internet They have a complex rating system by which they determine how to rank websites for certain keywords and keyword phrases They are constantly looking for new websites to add to their database to make any given query bring up the most helpful and accurate search results for the keywords listed

These search queries all perform nearly the same tasks, that is to list search results of websites from all over the Internet most closely relevant to one's query These websites will often list the same entries in about the same order for the same keywords queried on each, although they may differ slightly and many of these sites offer various additional services

Still many hundreds more websites, like Amazon and Ebay, are not solely search engines, but provide search engines for products, archives, databases, and services within their website They can be thought of as a type of search engine, because there primary function is to bring up a listed of items or entries that will meet the users' needs Depending on the "product", you are then sometimes given links, additional resources, or a place to purchase

If you have entered words into a search bar and clicked search, you've used a search engine Search engines are invaluable resources There would be no other easy way for you to find a book in a listing of thousands, or find a website or webpage specifically on a topic that interests you-in a collection of billions of websites on the Internet! On top of that, most search engines can produce a search results page on any query in as little as a few seconds! If you can't find what you are looking for, find a search engine and get your answers instantly!

Written by Hannah Miller, Director of Online Marketing and Customer Service Rep, Copper.net. Copper.net is a nationwide Internet Services provider that is all-American owned and operated. Call today, 1-800-336-3318 or sign up online. Check out my blog for this and more great articles! http://www.copper.net/wire]]> http://www.morefreeinformation.com/Art/13737/94/What-is-a-Search-Engine.html http://www.morefreeinformation.com/Art/13735/94/Using-the-Internet-for-Hobbies-Sports.html
Here are a few areas where sports lovers might find their niche on the Internet:

*Learning about sports*
Whether you are want to play a new sport or just learn some of the lingo and techniques, the Internet is a prolific resource for you!

*Read about sports heros in history Many websites are dedicated to sports history and contain pictures, stats, and memorabilia of great players in sports history You can search on a search engine for the name of your favorite sports legend, sports team, or the sport itself to find websites specializing in your favorite topics

*Check out the Internet Encyclopedias Unlike printed volumes, online encyclopedias like Wikipedia com are contains endless entries, all written by a variety of individuals who are knowledgeable about the topic and can list a source The result is a collection of knowledge, facts, and history unlike any other You can spend hours reading entertaining entries about your favorite sports heros, or techniques of a sport you enjoy, or the history and unique facts about your favorite team

*Order books, videos, and more on online bookstores Websites like Amazon com offer an abundant variety of books and videos on your favorite subjects Whether you want to learn how to play a new sports, or want to tune up your skills on all the terminology and game plays of your favorite sport you watch, this is a great resource to teaching yourself some new skills! Or perhaps you would like to collect books and videos on your favorite team or player Just search for their name(s) an online bookstore site and look around!

*Watching sports*
If your passion is following your favorite team all season, or keeping up with several teams over the years, you will love the insight you can gain from the Internet

*Get sports news online If you don't always get a chance to watch every game or would like to keep up with several teams at once, the next best thing is reading about the games and commentaries on game plays and performances of individuals, etc A great place to find these is from online new sources Whether it's the website for your local paper or a large paper from the nearest city, you are sure to find some interesting sports news stories If you are following a team from across the country, look up that team's name under the "news" category of your favorite search engine Once you find some websites that cover the teams you love, add the site to your favorites to get updates

*Sign up for email updates Many of the sites listed above and other sports sites will allow you to receive a daily, weekly, or monthly newsletter or notices of new stories by email You will either be able to read news from your inbox or follow a link directly to the stories that interest you

*Set up a news alert Why not be notified anytime someone mentions your favorite player or team? Google allows you to set up an alert to be sent to your email whenever a blog post or news story is published online containing the keyword(s) you requested You will be sent notices that briefly summarize the story Then you can click the link to be redirected to the site that published the story You'll find sport's nuts' blogs, commentator's summaries of games, news stories of past games and future lineups, and so much more

The access to sports online is endless Start now to learn and explore everything you want to know in the world of sports!

Internet access is available as little as for $6.95 a month in the US and Canada. Sign up online or call 1-800-456-3118.]]> http://www.morefreeinformation.com/Art/13735/94/Using-the-Internet-for-Hobbies-Sports.html