Winnipeg Public Library has set up computer workstations equipped with Microsoft's Internet Explorer to provide our customers with free access to the Web. All users of this facility must agree to abide by the Library's Computer & Internet Use Policy before they are granted access to the Internet. This statement outlines reponsible Internet use in a public library. Winnipeg Public Library does not provide the following: Internet Relay Chat (IRC), file transfer protocol (FTP), individual e-mail accounts or downloading to discs.
For information on obtaining free web-based email, visit our Email Links page.
For information on free web-based keyboarding tutorials, visit our Keyboarding Links page.
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Helpful Resources on the Web
The Internet is a good source for websites devoted to helping the novice learn navigation and searching skills. Here are a few recommended sites. |
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Mousing Around: Mousing Tutorial
This site, provided by the Palm Beach County Library System, is an online, interactive mousing class for new computer users. The tutorial focuses on basic skills and includes exercises and other practice opportunities. A great class for the novice mouser! |
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Evaluating Web Resources
This excellent site is a learning resource for teaching web users how to evaluate the content of websites. The site focuses on the development of critical thinking skills. |
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The Help Web
Subtitled "A Guide to getting started on the Internet", this site provides information on topics ranging from e-mail & ftp to current issues and concerns on the web. |
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Search Engine Watch
Search Engine Watch is an invaluable resource for insider tips on using web search engines, guidelines for search engine submission, comparative ratings & reviews, search engine tests and much more. |
Getting Started On the World Wide Web
The World Wide Web is actually a network of millions of computers linked together across the world. Information stored on these computers is connected by hypertext (or "text with links"). The software that allows you to jump from one hyperlinked document to another is usually called a web browser. The browser used on public internet workstations at Winnipeg Public Library is Internet Explorer.
Internet Explorer Basics
The row of buttons at the top of the screen helps you navigate through the Web. Here is a list of the main Internet Explorer buttons and their functions:
Back: Go to the previously displayed page.
Forward: Go to the page you just backed up from.
Stop: Stop loading the requested web page.
Refresh: Reload the current page.
Home: Go to the Library home page.
Search: Opens Internet Explorer's Search menu.
Fullscreen: Toggle between regular or full screen display area.
Browsing the Web
Use the Page Up and Page Down keys on the right side of the keyboard to move up or down within a web page. You can also use the scroll bar at the far right edge of the monitor screen to scroll web pages up and down.
To connect to linked pages, click on coloured or highlighted text, or on images with coloured borders within the document that interest you. To leave the document, click on Back or Home.
Another way to go to a specific website is to click in the white space in the Location bar, type the URL in the space and press Enter. Be careful to type the address exactly, paying attention to upper or lowercase letters and punctuation. For example, to go directly to the National Film Board site, click in the Location bar's white space and type: www.nfb.ca
Searching the Web
Internet search tools can be classified into three categories: search engines, metasearch engines and subject directories. The Library has selected a list of such search tools on our Search the Web page.
Using A Search Engine:
1. Click on the link to the search tool you wish to use.
2. Follow the instructions on the screen.
3. Type the subject or key words describing your topic in the space provided.
4. Click on the Search button or press Enter.
5. The list of search results should be displayed on a new web page.
Winnipeg Public Library Website
The default homepage of our public access workstations is the Winnipeg Public Library website. You may wish to use Winnipeg Public Library's homepage as a starting point for browsing or searching the Web.
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