|
GENERAL INFORMATION
Falling
Through the Net: Reports and Statistics on the Digital Divide
A series of studies from the U. S. Department of Commerce about computer
usage and Internet access in America's households. The information in
these reports provides a basis for continuing public debate about how
best to ensure that every American can participate in the digital economy,
and have access to the information technologies that are transforming
the economy and our lives.
Digital
Divide Network
The website offers a range of information, tools and resources, focusing
on the causes and effects of the digital divide in the areas of technology
access, literacy and learning, content, and economic development. DDN
serves as a catalyst for making current initiatives more strategic, more
partner-based and more outcome-oriented; and for developing new, innovative
digital divide strategies with people and communities interested in working
together to bridge the divide on the local level.
Community
Technology Center's Network
CTCNet is a national, non-profit membership organization of more than
600 independent community technology centers where people get free or
low-cost access to computers and computer-related technology, such as
the Internet, together with learning opportunities that encourage exploration
and discovery.
Internet Timeline
Just in case you missed the development of the Internet, here's a timeline highlighting some of the major occurrences over the past four decades since its birth.
HARDWARE
AND SOFTWARE
CNET
Comprehensive computing and IT information, including guides related to
hardware, software, electronics and technology trends, with product and
user reviews, price comparisons and free downloads.
Tom's
Hardware Guide
Informative and detailed computer hardware information, including guides
related to consumer electronics, networking, storage, graphics, and CPUs,
with product reviews.
PCTech
Guide
Informative and detailed computer hardware guides, including guides to
components, storage, multimedia, input/output devices and communications,
with product reviews.
Webopedia
A comprehensive online encyclopedia dedicated to computer technology.
Tucows
Download software, shareware, freeware, and demos, including systems and
utilities, themes, educational programs, games and other multimedia…much
of it for free.
Tiger
Direct
TigerDirect carries a complete line of quality hardware and software,
and other computer-related products at reasonable prices for individuals,
small businesses and schools. It offers pc systems, as well as "build-to-order"
and fully customized systems, and personalized services available nationally.
INTERNET
Internet
Tips and Secrets
Excellent resource for navigating cyberspace--whether you are a beginner
or an expert. This site is full of information ranging from tutorials,
computer tips, articles, links, and news updates to developing homepages
and websites, subscribing to electronic magazines, and setting up your
own e-group.
Ten
Things You Can Do on the Net This Week
This site, which is periodically updated, features interesting websites
that appeal to a broad range of interests.
NetLingo
NetLingo is a comprehensive online dictionary about the Internet, which
contains thousands of words and definitions that explain the technology
and community of the World Wide Web, e-mail, chat, and the newsgroups.
Netiquette
(Complete Online Edition)
"Netiquette" is network etiquette--the dos and don'ts of online
communication. Based on Virginia Shea's book, this site covers the basics
of both common courtesy online and the informal "rules of the road"
of cyberspace, and provides links to additional information about Internet
etiquette.
A-Z
Search Engines and Directories
This site contains links to hundreds of search engines and Web directories.
Here's where to find the best search sites on the Internet, from major
search engines to regional guides, country directories, and specialized
search engines and directories.
The
Freebie Directory
A comprehenive, searchable source for freebies on the Internet.
When
Web Sites Attack
CNET compiled a set of pervasive, annoying Web site tricks, as well as
tactics designed to ferret out and destroy each one. You may encounter
these in your travels in cyberspace, but if they annoy you, here are some
tools to fight back.
Virus
Glossary and Virus Information Library
This glossary and comprehensive virus information will help you better
understand the sometimes confusing technical terminology used in virus
alerts and descriptions.
The Truth About Computer
Virus Myths and Hoaxes
Learn about computer virus myths, hoaxes, urban legends, hysteria, and
the implications (if you believe in them); and search a list of computer
virus hoaxes and virus hysteria from A to Z.
Urban
Legends
Reference pages on a variety of "urban legends" and other stories
that have been researched and classified according to whether or not they
can be verified.
ONLINE
COMPUTER EDUCATION (Available at no cost)
Learn
2 Type
This is a free online course that helps you master the skills of touch-typing.
Whether you're a typing expert or just a "hunt & peck" beginner,
the interactive exercises automatically adjust to your skill level. The
better you get, the more challenging the exercises become.
Beginners
Central
This site provides tutorials that guide beginning users through the basic
concepts and practical details of using the Internet, and is a good supplement
to this course.
Jan's
Illustrated Computer Literacy 101 (in English and Spanish)
A good self-paced supplementary tutorial to this course related to computer
basics, working with Windows, word-processing, spreadsheets, and navigating
the Internet.
GCF
Global Learning (in English and
Spanish)
This website offers free self-paced courses and instructor-supported online
classes in computing skills, such as Windows, Word, Excel, PowerPoint
and Office.
Online Computing Courses
Continue your education with these free courses in computer skills for
beginning, intermediate and advanced students. Topics include Windows
95/98 basics, making personal homepages, and other web skills to help
you make the most of your computer.
eHow's
Computer and Home Electronics Center
A wealth of useful step-by-step tutorials for how-to solutions to everything
computers, including hardware, software, operating system basics, the
Internet, networking, as well as shopping for and installing home electronics.
Microsoft
Product Support Services
A good source of information with a database of support articles, free
software downloads, newsgroup and other product support materials.
HTML
Tutorial
Self-paced tutorial that will having you creating your own web pages in
not time, starting from the basics and working up to some of the more
advanced techniques.
XHTML
101
This 10-week XHTML training course is free for those who need more instructor
support. The only cost to you is the time you spend working on the lessons.
Classes start every week and you can take the class at your own pace.
Tutorials
for Web Developers
Multiple tutorials and resources in many areas of web development (HTML,
CGI, ASP, graphics, Java, JavaScript, database, etc.) geared to those
with some knowledge in creating web pages.
Computer
Networking Library
Resources for exploring the world of computer networking, such as, LAN/WAN,
TCP/IP, hardware, software, cabling, and more.
ONLINE
COMPUTER TRAINING (For a cost, but some are quite reasonable)
IT
Certification Information for Beginners
Considering some sort of formal certification? This site provides resources
related to formal certification and information technology information
for beginners.
Brainbench
Test Center
This site provides the resources for online certification and web-based
assessment of more than 350 different skills. Many are free or can be
certified for a nominal fee, and can be utilized by individuals and businesses.
FreeSkills
Resource for hundreds of online computer training courses and IT certification
programs at reasonable prices; an IT job database with thousands of daily
updated positions; and a host of additional resources.
SmartPlanet
A source for over 600 courses related to IT certification and state-of-the-art
training in computer programming, Web design and more, as well as other
useful resources, from SmartPlanet, a CNET Networks company.
Learn2
Tutorials Catalog
A variety of tutorials available for purchase with online support, but
there are also free demos and no-cost training opportunities available.
eLearners
Source of information about distance and online programs, degrees, and
certification in computers and IT, including Peirce College and the University
of Phoenix.
New
Horizons Computer Learning Centers
New Horizon offers a wide selection of technical classes and computer
certification packages with a variety of learning options, including classroom
learning, and both self-paced and instructor-supported online courses.
Last updated Jan 19 2003
These organizations and links are offered as resources and provided as a service.
Neither I-LEAD nor Comcast
endorses the website content or guarantees
the quality of any information that appears on other sites.
|
