What do I use to access online information?
The internet can be accessed using different computer systems
such as a desktop computer, a laptop, or a smartphone.
How is my computer or smart phone connecting to the
internet?
Devices connect to the internet through either a modem or a
router. What’s the difference? Simply put, a modem connects your electronic
device directly to the internet through an Ethernet cable while a router
connects your device to WiFi. WiFi is a wireless network technology that allows
devices to connect online. Portable devices like laptops and smart phones can
connect to the internet away from home thanks to WiFi being wireless.
Where is the internet service coming from?
You must pay an Internet Service Provider (ISP) to have
internet access. Examples of ISPs are: Comcast, Xfinity, AT&T, CenturyLink,
and more. They can wire a home through cables or wirelessly through satellite
or other technology. Most people like to shop around when choosing an ISP
because prices vary between companies.
Once I’ve connected to the internet, how do I navigate?
By clicking on your devices’ web browser, you can access
wanted information online. Although the term “web browser” might not be
familiar, you have probably heard of these examples: Internet Explorer, Mozilla Firefox, Google Chrome, Safari, etc. If you type an accurate URL (also known as
a web address) in the long box at the top of your web browser, it will fetch
and then display your desired web page.
What is “The Cloud”?
The Cloud is like a “hard drive in the sky,” people say.
It’s an effortless way to store your contacts, music, photos, and more-
digitally! One of the most impressive things about it is that it can help sync
all of your devices together. For example; I have an iMac desktop computer, a
MacBook Air laptop, an iPad, and an iPhone. When I take a photo from my phone
and want to print it off from my iMac, I can simply pull up the file and press
print because the iCloud syncs my devices! For me, Apple’s iCloud is the
easiest to use because my devices are all Apple brand. Find one that best suits
you and your devices.
How do I help keep my network secure?
I would suggest downloading a firewall as a first defense.
Its purpose is to defend unwanted guests from browsing your system. By
downloading a firewall type software on your computer, you’ll have a continuous
gatekeeper for your network. Examples of free firewall programs: ComodoFirewall, AVS Firewall, NetDefender, etc.
References:
Fisher, T. (2018, October 18). 10 free firewall programs.
Retrieved from: https://www.lifewire.com/free-firewall-programs-4129270
Fisher, T. (2018, September 5). Internet service provider
(ISP). Retrieved from: https://www.lifewire.com/internet-service-provider-isp-2625924
McLaughlin, M. (2018, July 16). Modem vs router: What each
does and how they differ. Retrieved from: https://www.lifewire.com/difference-between-modem-and-router-4159854
Unuth, N. (2018, April 11). WiFi explained: The most common
wireless LAN network. Retrieved from: https://www.lifewire.com/wifi-explained-3426413
