Getting Started on the World Wide Web

Computers in Communication
Boston University College of Communication
Copyright © 1996 by Professor Jim Lengel

These instructions show you how to get started finding information and ideas on the World Wide Web, using Netscape.

How do I get from one place to another?
Click on the blue words. Or on the pictures outlined in blue. A blue word or picture indicates a link to another place, where you will find related information. Click once on the blue item, and the computer will go out across the internet to find the other place.

How do I go back to where I was?
Use the Back button in the upper left corner of the Netscape window. It will take you to the place you just came from, and so forth back to where you started. (Once you go back, you can use the Forward button to retrace your steps in the other direction.)

How do I see where I've been?
Click and hold on the Go menu on the menubar at the top of the screen. It will show you the names of all the places you have visited during this session. Drag down to any place and it will take you there.

How do I know where I am?
Look at the Universal Resource Locator, which is listed in the white box near the top of the Netscape window. It shows the internet "zip code" for the file you are currently reading. By deciphering this code you can get a vague idea as to where you are. See the paper, Idea Surfing on the Internet, for guidance on how to decipher the URL.

How do I copy text?
There are two ways: 1. You can select the text by clicking and dragging the mouse over it, then choosing Copy from the Edit menu, then Pasting this selection into your Scrapbook or word processor. This is best for short selections.
2. You can select Save As from the File menu, and save the entire text of the document you are reading to a file on your disk. This is best for longer pieces.

How do I copy pictures?
Point to the picture you want to copy. Squeeze the mouse. You will see a pop-up menu, which will allow you to Save this image as... Then give the image a name and save it as a file on your disk.

What do I do if it stops working?
If it seems to be taking a longer time than you are willing to wait to download information, press the Stop button in the upper right of the Netscape window. This will stop the download. If Netscape refuses to make any connections for you, then it's best to quit Netscape by choosing Quit from the File menu. When you start up Netscape again it will most likely work better.