Untangle The Web

Contributed by Elaine Landau

So many options and so little time. Before you start feeling like Roadkill on the Information Highway, why not take a quick overview of what is available in web communication today? When you learn how to use the Internet, you have access to the world.

The Joy of E-mail
As soon as you learn how to use a computer to log on to the Internet, you are immediately bombarded with information. So much information it is sometimes paralyzing. Before sheer panic sets in, employ the education software that will help you the most and don’t be afraid to go beyond the walls of your cubicle for help. By using
e-mail, you have access to invaluable resources. It is the most popular form of Internet communication available today. With desktop software, consumers can communicate from their homes to their offices and around the world without ever buying a stamp or picking up a phone. The Internet. You gotta love it. And you gotta beware.

E-mail pitfalls.
If you depend on a web browser such as Internet Explorer for web-based e-mail, get ready for spam. We’re not talking the classic canned lunchmeat. We’re talking unsolicited advertisements, junk mail, and unwanted nuisance messages. Some companies have tried to develop spam blockers and even politicians have tried to get into the act, but spam continues to fill our mailboxes with nonsense. Want to know more about anti-spam software?

Instant Gratification.
If you are a fan of instant messaging, you appreciate the joy and convenience of real-time chat. But once again, there is a downside. Many parents are justifiably concerned that maybe their children are chatting with inappropriate pals. Since the communication is immediate there is no way to sensor incoming or outgoing messages. Want to know more? http://www.instant-messaging-software.com

Is it true that Blogs have more fun?
Did you know that Dear Diary has entered the computer age? Honestly. Online journals and daily diaries have hit the Internet in a big way. Some are interactive and all are popular for the computer carnivores who want to devour fresh information daily. Blog connections are the latest messaging medium that appears very promising. Unfortunately, daily updates at topic-specific sites are not the norm. Want to know more? http://www.blog-connection.com

The latest and the greatest?
The newest messaging medium is RSS. Designed to provide content news and information packages, RSS files are produced as XML files without the inherent spam problems of e-mail. To avoid wasted time and energy, a user simply opts in to RSS feeds that focus exclusively on their interests.

Can we talk?
RSS forums promote online discussions. Ancillary benefits of these forums include the formation of online communities and access to specialized online professional resources. Want to know more? http://www.rss-specifications.com

Take the Mystery out of Listeries
If you have a special interest, such as fishing or bowling, you are probably already on someone’s mailing list. A listery is a mailing list computer program that communicates with people who have subscribed to the same list.

So now you are armed with a little more information. For more detailed information and training, take advantage of free computer training online, free Internet help, free Internet lessons, free Internet training, as well as free Internet tutorials. Choose the communication options that work best for you and then log on with confidence.

About the Author:
Elaine Landau is a freelance writer, publicist, web site editor, and television writer with more than 15 years of experience in marketing, advertising, and publicity.

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