Vol. 13:17

By Leroy McLean, Contributor

You just bought your first computer and now in the process of getting high-speed Internet. C&W or Flow will be installing the required components to bring you online. However, you start to wonder what you can do online, if this is your thought, then today is a lucky day.

Personally I have been using the Internet since 1992, and those were the earlier days of the World Wide Web (WWW). Few activities were available to keep me busy, but still the idea of this connected network kept me wanting more.

It is now 2007, and the Internet has evolved into this mammoth social network for everyone and anything. During the Easter weekend I decided to compile a list of online activities for newbies on the Web.

1. The basic function of the Internet is to search for information. Today there are several search engines that facilitate this type of service. These include www.google.com, www.yahoo.com and www.msn.com . You can also find info with Online Encyclopedia, from www.wikipedia.com

2. Communication - Online can bring a level of excitement that stimulates your adrenaline. Email from www.hotmail.com, www.yahoo.com and www.gmail.com. Instant messages such as MSN, Yahoo and AOL. There are social websites, like www.myspace.com and www.hi5.com

3. Music and movie - Oh, yeah. Watching your local TV or even an overseas channel can be done online. You can take another step by getting a peer-to-peer (p2p) programme and start your downloading experience in the music and movie arena.

4. Fun, fun and more fun - Want to play some games? Sure, then there are hundreds of websites available for this type of activity. You can even get reviews of your favourite game from sites, such as www.ebgames.com, www.gamestop.com, and www.gamespot.com

5. Business, yes business. For the business traveller, online presents some new experiences. You can buy your airline ticket online. Maybe you just want a cheap hotel or car rental for your next vacation.

6. Shopping, family and kids - Okay, I was running out of space, so decided to group these. Complete online shopping from JC Penny, PayLess or Amazon.com. Spend time with family on websites that have endless activities.

Send your comments or suggestions to thestartech@yahoo.com. You can also write to StarTech c/o The Gleaner Company, 7 North Street, Kingston.