The Internet For Dummies

If you're an Internet newcomer and want to get up to speed without all the intimidating technical jargon, The Internet For Dummies has you covered. With over 5,000,000 copies sold*, The Internet For Dummies is the #1 choice for Internet newcomers.

Inside, you'll discover how to make the most of the Internet, get accustomed to popular sites, find the information and items you need fast, and stay away from the bad stuff floating around online.

• Catches you up on the latest online trends, from social networking sites to blogs and more
• Includes the latest on Google Chrome, getting good search results, and sharing files
• Covers choosing and connecting to an Internet provider, establishing an e-mail account, getting on the web, and finding the sites that matter most

Now in its 14^th edition, The Internet For Dummies covers the latest social networking tools, browser features, connection options, safety features, and so much more. Starting out with the basics, it walks you through getting online, picking an Internet provider, getting to know the different web browsers, dealing with e-mail and connecting with friends, finding the hottest sites to share photos and videos—and everything in between.

*Includes all formats and all editions

Introduction 1

Part I: Getting Started with the Internet 5

Chapter 1: What’s So Great about the Internet? 7

Chapter 2: Is the Internet Safe? Viruses, Spyware, Spam, and Other Yucky Stuff 15

Chapter 3: Kids and the Internet 35

Part II: Internet, Here I Come! 47

Chapter 4: Assembling Your Gear and Climbing on the Net 49

Chapter 5: Setting Up Your Own Network or Wi-Fi Hotspot 75

Chapter 6: Welcome to the Wild, Wonderful, Wacky Web 89

Chapter 7: Taking Your Browser for a Spin 109

Part III: Hanging Out with Friends Online 137

Chapter 8: It’s in the Mail: Sending and Receiving Email 139

Chapter 9: Putting Your Mail in Its Place 161

Chapter 10: Getting Social with Facebook and Google+ 177

Chapter 11: Tweeting about Your Life 191

Chapter 12: Typing and Talking Online 203

Part IV: The Web Is Full of Cool Stuff 229

Chapter 13: Needles and Haystacks: Finding Almost Anything Online 231

Chapter 14: Music and Video on the Web 251

Chapter 15: More Shopping, Less Dropping 269

Chapter 16: Banking, Bill Paying, and Investing Online 289

Part V: Putting Your Own Stuff on the Web 305

Chapter 17: Making a Splash Online 307

Chapter 18: Blogging: The World Reads Your Diary 321

Part VI: The Part of Tens 331

Chapter 19: Ten Fun Things You Can Do Online 333

Chapter 20: Ten Worthwhile Things to Do Online 341

Index 347

John R. Levine is a recognized technology expert and consumer advocate who works against online fraud and email spam. Margaret Levine Young is a technology author who has written on topics ranging from the Internet to Windows to Access.

Learn to:

• Pick the web browser that works best for you
• Set up email and find anything with a web search
• Take advantage of Facebook^®, Twitter^®, and other social media sites
• Stream media on your PC or mobile device

Need to stay connected? Here’s your fun and easy road map to the Internet!

The Internet is the home for commerce, entertainment, and instant communication. It’s also a tool that changes so fast it needs a guidebook. The Internet For Dummies fills that need with advice on connecting with devices of all sorts, establishing email and social accounts, finding and sharing content, and staying safe and private while living online.

• What the Internet is — get a handle on this amazing network of networks and see how to stay safe and protect your privacy
• Dive in — follow simple steps to load software, choose an Internet provider, get your device configured, and venture onto the web
• Browse among the browsers — check out different browser options, including Google Chrome^™
• Hang out — establish an email account to communicate with friends and take advantage of phone and video conferencing options
• Be social — set up Facebook and Twitter accounts and discover the world of social media
• Find what you need — explore ways to get the best search results, locate people, discover cool sites, and shop
• Be part of it — find out how to put your own writing, photos, and videos online

Open the book and find:

• Simple advice for connecting to the Internet
• Cool online things for kids
• How to avoid computer viruses and email spam
• Tips on connecting to a wi-fi network
• Steps for joining leading social media sites
• All about banking, paying bills, and investing online
• How to share your thoughts on a blog
• Where to share photos, listen to music, and shop
• Tips for troubleshooting problems with your connection