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The Internet

 A-Prompt Version 1.0.6.0 checked. WAI level 'double A'D


Internet Browsers

  1. Common to the Major Home Formats :
    • Amaya
      From W3C, open source.
    • Firebird
      Another from Mozilla.
    • Lynx
      Download instructions and different packages.
    • Mozilla Suite
      Open source, lean browser. Constantly being improved. More suited to those with a knowledge of browser set up and use.
    • Netscape
      Now offers extra features.
    • Opera
      Smaller, quicker browser that is highly recommended.
  2. Linux Browsers :
    • Galeon
      Open source, based on Gecko engine.
    • Konqueror
      Open source. Supports Netscape plugins.
  3. Macintosh :
    • Camino
      Alternative to Mozilla [by Mozilla}.
    • ICab
      For the Macintosh platform.
    • Internet Explorer [Mac]
      Free download from Microsoft.
    • Omniweb
      Newsfeed, tabbed browsing, ad blocking, search shortcuts and more.
    • Safari
      An Apple browser for Macintosh.
  4. Others :
  5. Windows :
    • Ace Explorer
      Tabbed browsing, popup killer, skins, form filler and more.
    • Advanced Browser
      Popup blocker, fully IE compatible.
    • Browzar
      Requires Windows 98 or higher and Internet Explorer, but ‘No installation. Just click ‘run’ and go. Browzar doesn’t do web cache, web history, cookies or auto-complete. We promise that your business stays your business.’
    • Enigma Browser
      Multiple sites, popup blocker, tabbed interface, multimedia data options.
    • Firefly
      ‘Firefly is a web browser made specifically for kids to make their surf experience safe. Firefly is meant to be simple.’
    • Firefox
      From Mozilla. Safer, more secure, greater options.
    • Internet Explorer [WIN]
      Comes with Windows. Free download from Microsoft.
    • Maxthon
      Previously MyIE2. Skinnable, plugins, tabbed interface and more.
    • Mosaic
      Older browser, its history, download and alternatives.

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Internet Help

  1. Beginners :
    2.
  2. General Sites & Portals :
    • AARP Learn the Internet Home
      An introduction on how to use the Internet as well as information on a range of other steps once you have gone through the introduction.
    • BrowserTune2000
      Download software which will help you get a ‘tune up’.
    • GetnetWise
      Very good site, lots of advice.
    • Help Web
      Nearly 20 000 pages of information.
    • Internet 101 [1]
      A different site and information to that listed below. Find information on things from Acronyms to Viruses, even Urban Legends.
    • Internet Detective
      Good site for expanding basic knowledge and skill. Suitable for university students.
    • Internet Dictionary, The
      A huge range of definitions for terms related to the Internet. Done alphabetically as well as providing additional links for the same area.
    • Learn the Net
      Updated regularly. Worth a look.
    • Secure Computing
      Previously N2H2.
    • Young Media Australia
      Information about media and children.
    • Virtual Lounge, The
      From Sofweb Victoria. It ‘has lots of wonderful information for any new user to the internet on the ranges of resources that can be found on Sofweb and the internet and how to find them. As well as lots of information on topics such as electronic mail, publishing on the internet, digital movie and sound formats with lots of fun samples from the Sofweb site of all of the different topics and mediums described.’
    • Wired
      Covering all things internet. Also provides a Free newsletter.
    • World Wide Web - FAQ
      The best frequently asked questions site about the web.
      Worth a visit.
    • World Wide Web Information Pack
      Aberdeen University. A large package of information to make you a master of the web.
  3. Safety
    Be safe when allowing children to surf. Use blocking and filtering programs or ideas such as these.
    • 7 Computer Security Tips for students
      ‘These tips can help protect the computers you use for school from viruses, hackers, spyware, and other attacks.’ From Microsoft. Part of the vast Security at Home site from Microsoft which covers all aspects of security, not just those for the Internet.
    • ALA Great Web Sites for Kids
      ‘Safe’ web sites selected by librarians.
    • A Safety Net For The Internet
      [A Parent’s Guide]
      New York Public Library.
    • Barbara Biggs
      A series of books about child dangers includes one on the ‘Chatroom’.
    • Be Safe Online
      ‘Advice and information about Internet safety’.
    • iKeepSafe
    • Internet Content Complaints
      Information on how to make complaints about Internet content to the Australian Communications and Media Authority.
    • Cyberquoll Internet Safety Education
      [Primary Schools]
      Teacher materials and parental information. Created by NetAlert.
    • CyberSmart !
      Curriculum to teach safe ‘surfing’ skills.
    • Cybersmart for Kids
      Good for parents and children.
    • EFF’s Privacy Top 12
      ‘Examples and links are provided as starting points for readers, who must make up their own minds about how much security they need and whether particular offerings will suit their needs.’
    • ‘Family Friendly’ ISPs
      A listing and information about the Family Friendly Program from the Internet Industry Association.
    • How to Help Your Kids …
      [Use social networking Web sites more safely]
      Information in point format, with several links to further information.
    • K9 Web Protection
      ‘Free Internet filtering and control solution for the home. K9 puts YOU in control of the Internet so you can protect your kids.’ Considered among the best Free programs.
    • Keeping Children Safe Online
      ‘Children present unique security risks when they use a computer - not only do you have to keep them safe, you have to protect the data on your computer. By taking some simple steps, you can dramatically reduce the threats.’ From the US Computer Emergency Readiness Team.
    • Naomi
      Another Free filtering program which comes quite highly recommended.
    • NetAlert
      [The Australian Internet Safety Advisory Body]
      Information, news, filter finders, reviews, family friendly ISPs. Advisory Centre.
    • NetAlert Advice Centre
      A range of safety guides and advice including phone access links. From the Australian Government.
    • NetAlert Technology Toolbox Assistant
      ‘Makes it easy for you to select the right Internet safety and security software for your family. To view a list of the software products that best suit your needs, click on a button from each of the categories - My Budget, My Needs, My Wants, and My Computer.’
    • Netty’s World
      ‘A fun site for kids on Internet safety’. From the NetAlert group.
    • Parent’s Internet Safety Toolkit
      ‘The NetAlert Parent’s Internet Safety Toolkit is designed to help you build a family Internet safety strategy, with practical advice, information and resources to keep your family’s online activities safe and enjoyable.’
      Highly Recommended !
    • Safe Surfing Guide
    • Safety on the Internet
      ‘This site is dedicated to helping the average PC user make full and safe use of the Internet. Here is a collection of pages outlining defenses against the various threats and annoyances and the steps that can be taken to ensure that we continue to enjoy the Internet.’
    • Security Guide for Home Computing
      An animated e-book that explains how your home computer can be compromised and how to protect it using Free software. 25mb download.
    • Simcast Media SimGuard
      Fee-based system that tells where children have been, where they are now and more.
    • Stay Safe Online
      US site containing valuable information & suggestions.
    • Stay Smart Online
      ‘This site is designed to help home users and small businesses to stay smart online. An Australian Government Initiative.’
    • Think U Know
      ‘Is an Internet safety education initiative in Australia. It delivers training programs to Australian primary and secondary schools through a network of Think U Know accredited volunteers and school champions. It is a joint initiative between NetAlert, the Virtual Global Taskforce and Microsoft.’
    • Virtual Global Task Force
      [Children’s Page]
      Suggestions, links and assistance for preventing pedophile danger when children are online. The main site covers the activities of the Task Force, which has Australian input.
    • Who’s Chatting to Your Kids ?
      Download the .pdf file from the Queensland Police, covering safety on the Internet. [239 kb]
  4. Specific Areas :
    • Chatseek - The Talk of the Web
      ‘Here you can find links to all sorts of links to places to chat on the web.’ There are 240+ links to sites, depending on what you want to chat about.
      Be Careful when accessing any Chat Room.
    • Cookie Central
      Everything you ever wanted to know about cookies. News, cookies, software, FAQs, message board, articles and more.
    • Email Search
      Looking for email addresses ? This site will help.
    • Firewalls :
    • How E-mail Works
      Virtually everyone with a computer will use email at one time or another but, like driving a car, most will not know how it works. This site uses simple, direct, explanations to provide this knowledge.
    • ID Theft - A Kit
      From the Australian Attorney General’s Department, to help prevent and/or respond to identity theft.
    • Spam
      One of the blights of the web. See what government and opposition feel about this, as well as find ways of preventing or minimising spam.
      • DBCDE - SPAM
      • Software :
        • Cactus Spam Filter
          Freeware. Works with a range of email programs.
        • Death2Spam
          Annual fee to operate the system.
        • Mailwasher
          Freeware. Among the most highly recommended.
        • Spambully
        • Spam Trap
          Australian based service with no need to download anything. Fee-based though there is a Free trial.
      • Spam [Labor Party]
      • Spamlinks
        ‘The anti-spam portal : everything you didn’t want to have to know about spam.’ Background, FAQs, prevention, security, filtering, tracking, tools, resources and other links. You can even find Statistics here.
      • SpamMATTERS
        A federal government initiative allowing you to report spam from within Outlook and Outlook Express if you use these email programs.
    • What is RSS ?
      If you really want to know everything about RSS, then this is the place to start.

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Internet Service Providers [ISPs]

  1. Broadband/Cable Access and Information
    The following sites will provide a range of information about accessing and using this in Australia.
    2.
  2. General Sites for ISPs :
    • Australian ISP Directory
      Multiple directories.
    • Internet Content Regulation Checklist
      ‘The Internet Industry Association [IIA] has prepared the following guide to assist Australian ISPs to comply with the co-regulatory framework for online content. These requirements are the product of both industry and end-user consultation and negotiation with the Australian Communications and Media Authority [ACMA].’
    • ISPs, Australia
      Done from overseas, but suggested as including a majority of ISPs available in Australia.
    • ISP-Australia
      People’s experiences with different ISPs - good and bad.
    • List, The
      Compare ISPs to find one with the combination of speed, features and costs that suits you.
    • Useful Links
      From the Australian Communication & Media Authority comes a series of links that provide Australian and international information.

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Web Building Resources

  1. Additions
    An array of ‘additional’ material for constructing web pages - usability, sounds, applets, graphics, Flash, and more.
    2.
  2. General Sites & Portals :
    • Colour Set 2.3
      Free to design a colour scheme for your site. Colour codes provided.
    • HTML Writers Guild
      Information about classes, books, news, and services.
    • Multilingual Webmaster
      Information on establishing web presences in multiple languages.
    • Website Tool Kit
      ‘This resource has been developed to support schools in developing and maintaining websites which meet current government guidelines and standards. It also support schools to develop a simple, comprehensive approach for minimising the risks associated with Internet use. The Website Tool Kit replaces the [Victorian] Department’s SafetyNet Guidelines.’
  3. Javascript Resources
    Access scripts. Most simply cut and paste, others require minor modification.
  4. Web Page Building
    Information on web page building - HTML training, programs and more.

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General Information

  1. General Sites & Portals :
    2.
  2. History of the Internet
    Find out about the development of the Internet and how it has changed.
    • A Brief History of the Internet
      One of a number of tutorials [others accessible from this page] related to the internet. Well worth visiting for a good overview.
    • Gregory Gromov’s History
      The internet, WWW and hypertext. An interesting read if only a user till now.
    • History of the Internet
      Online chapters of a book by the same title. Covers from 1843 [yes !] to the future.
    • Nerds 2.0.1
      Multiple sections which provide you with an interesting and informative history of the Internet.
    • Net History
      ‘This portal points you toward a wealth of blissfully non-technical info tracing the international evolution of the Net - as well as of computers and e-mail.’
    • World Wide Web Project, The
      Actual documentation on how the web came into existence.
  3. Podcasts
    Find what these are, where you can find quality casts and much more. You should also check the listings and information on the Blogs & Podcasts page.
    As with any similar, contributory system, you need to be careful when selecting podcasts for use or enjoyment.
    • Apple iTunes : Podcasts
      1 000s of podcasts as well as tutorials on how to use and create them. Access them for Free.
    • Learn Out Loud
      ‘LearnOutLoud.com is proud to present the Internet’s first directory for podcasts you can learn from. We’ve screened thousands of podcasts to find the ones of the highest quality that you will instruct, inspire, and enlighten you.’ Select from a range of directories. Also has video podcasts and a range of other Free material.
    • Odeo
      A compilation of podcasts in addition to a range of other ‘goodies’, including music. Select podcasts by using the directory list on the right hand side of the page.
    • The Podcast Directory
      Search, select from an alphabetical listing, use directories, … Thousands to choose from.
    • Yahoo ! Audio
      A vast collection, most Free. Select by using one of a number of methods, including directory search, what others are listening to, etc..

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