Becoming a ‘netizen’ is easier than you think

For many people, computers, cellphones and the Internet are weird and wonderful technologies. However, they don’t know what they do, and as a result become weary, if not scared of them. However, this needn’t be the case as the Internet is actually a very user-friendly place. You just have to know a few of the basics and before you know it, you will be surfing like a champ.

For those of us who did not grow up with the Internet it can seem like a foreign country ‚ a scary place, with foreign customs where people speak an unfamiliar language. Is it too late for you to become a ‚netizen‚ ‚ a citizen of the Internet? What can the Internet offer you?

Whether you are active on-line or not, the Internet is shaping your life. Our banks are moving online, our friends are all on Facebook. Our children watch YouTube instead of Television, and their homework assignments specify Google and Wikipedia. The never-ending, ever growing list of new technologies can seem overwhelming.

The good news is that these days, the Internet is accessible to everyone. You no longer need a degree in computer science to be a capable Internet user ‚ the benefits are within your reach. Here are some examples:

‚Ä¢ Skype ‚ an online service that makes it possible to make free long distance phone calls to friends and family via the Internet. It even offers a video connection so that you can see one another.

‚Ä¢ Google Search ‚ to find answers to any question you can think of. The greatest library ever known is at your fingertips, filled with thousands of books, photographs, artworks and videos.

‚Ä¢ Facebook ‚ to find old friends, and make new ones. You can join groups or support causes, chat, teach or just amuse yourself. If Facebook were a country, it would have a population greater than Japan!

‚Ä¢ YouTube ‚ an enormous and ever growing collection of videos on every subject you can think of ‚ and many more you have never imagined. Documentaries, comedies and news, clips from almost forgotten 70’s TV shows, step by step demonstrations for how to cook, craft or create, music videos ‚ its all on YouTube.

• Google Earth and Google Maps Рexplore the world from the comfort of your armchair. Whether you want to choose your next holiday location, plan a trip (complete with street-by-street directions) or simply learn about far away places.

The Internet can enrich your life. Whether you want to enhance your ability as a working professional, your skill as a parent, or just want to keep learning, communicating and connecting.