Navigation Aids

          Welcome to Navigation Aids, the Beacon's column of tips for new users. This column is intended to be a resource for new users, and even for people who have been Chebucto Community Net members for awhile, but haven't made full use of CCN's services.

          There is plenty of information about CCN, its features, and how to use them. This information is available at the HelpDesk, it is tucked away in the archives of previous newsletters, and it lurks in various Frequently Asked/Answered Questions (FAQ) files. Some may eventually be found in this column. In an effort to consolidate this information, the Beacon is creating a New User Reference Index, so that a number of links relating to a particular topic will be at your fingertips. While we may not include every file on every topic, we'll do our best to make it as complete as possible. It is a work in progress, so check for the New User Reference Index in each issue of the Beacon.

          When you visit a foreign country, you probably buy or borrow a travel guide, and you may even pick up a phrase book so that you can at least pick out a few key words. These reference works give you some background about the place you are visiting, tell you what expect, what there is to see and do, how to get things done, and how to get around. Exploring the Internet and CCN is no different; a few good reference works will help you make the most of everything that is available. Whether you've taken User Training or not (and I suggest that you do) here are a few good online reference works to consult.

          For a good, working introduction to the Internet, try the CCN Internet Guide and Tutorial. It provides an introduction to the Internet, information about e-mail, browsers, newsgroups and search techniques for finding information on the World Wide Web. As the word tutorial in the title suggests, there are some exercises for you to try. This is very useful, especially if you are one of those people who can use e-mail, but have never tried searching the web, or looked at the newsgroups.

          If you are looking for a comprehensive guide to Chebucto Community Net, have a look at the CCN Online User Guide, a document I seem to refer to a lot. It covers almost everything related to CCN, including navigation using Lynx, keyboard commands, shortcuts, e-mail, and file management.

          Finally, here's your phrase book. If you've ever wondered just what URL stands for, take a look at the CSuite Glossary. It can take some of the mystery out of the terminology you are likely to encounter.

          Happy Travels!

You may direct comments or suggestions about this column to:

Margaret C. Douma,  ac101@chebucto.ns.ca

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