Using the internet is vital in this century. However, some people still don't know how to use the web. To learn how, start with step 1 of this guide.
As for the dangers of surfing the internet, please read the "Warnings" section.
Steps
Part 1 of 5: Keeping in touch with friends and family
Step 1. Use the email
Email looks a lot like traditional mail and can be used in almost the same way. You will need to register on an email service to get an address. Many email services are free, and the best include Gmail and Outlook.com. To check your email, you will need to go to the site of the service you signed up to to read your emails.
Email addresses are nothing like residential addresses. They are in formats like [email protected]. For example, the wikiHow email is [email protected]. If your name is Pinco Pallino and you sign up on Gmail, your email address could be something like [email protected], [email protected], or even something different like [email protected]
Step 2. Use Social Media
"Social media" is a term that incorporates many types of websites, which are used to communicate with other people. The most popular social media sites are:
- Facebook, which is used for various purposes, from instant messaging to sharing photos and videos.
- Twitter, which is used to send short updates and thoughts on one's life.
- Instagram, which is used to share photos.
Step 3. Read or write a blog
A blog, which derives from the term "web log", is an online diary / magazine. You can insert photos, images and even videos. You can write your own or read someone else's. There are blogs on various types of topics. Blogs are also beginning to replace some sections of traditional newspapers.
Step 4. Chat
You can use the internet to talk directly to people you know or don't know. If you want to talk face to face, or by voice - like on the phone - you can use services like Skype, which are often free (Skype, for example, is free). You can also chat via text, which is the text version of the phone, with various services (for example AOL's Instant Messeger).
Step 5. Get to know people
You can even make appointments online! There are free sites and paid sites, which help you get to know the right person for you. There are also special dating sites for people with special professions or interests. Match and eHarmony are the most common.
Part 2 of 5: Staying up to date
Step 1. Read the latest news
You can read the newspaper online, often for free or at a reduced price. Most newspapers have an online edition, which often contains videos and multimedia content. Try searching the internet for your favorite newspaper!
Step 2. Watch the news
It is also possible to watch the news online. Go to your local TV station's website to see what they offer, or watch clips on news networks like the BBC.
Step 3. Get opinions and analysis
You can read op-ed style articles and financial, sports, political analysis articles, etc. easily and for free! Search for blogs, news sites, and other websites. A popular source of online analytics is Nate Silver, via his FiveThirtyEight blog.
Step 4. Tweet
Twitter is a form of social media mainly used to tell your friends something as strange as the Chinese food we just ate, but it can also be used to keep up to date on the most important events. Follow the Twitter feed for official news, such as political news, or the latest events.
Part 3 of 5: Managing your life
Step 1. Banking online
Many large banks allow online banking, thanks to which you can view your bank statements, make deposits and withdrawals, order checks and other bank activities. Check your bank's official website or call customer service to find out more.
Step 2. Pay your bills
Often, you can pay your bills online or set up automatic payment, so you don't have to worry about going to the post every month. You can do this on the bank's website (depending on the bank) or you can go to the website of the company you need to pay the bill to (as long as an online payment function is available). As above, call customer service for more information.
Step 3. Make the monthly balance
You can use free services like Google Spreadsheets to create expense (or monthly income) budgets. This will be easier if you have experience with programs like Microsoft Excel, but you can also get templates, which are very easy to fill. The service is free if you have a Google account.
Step 4. Invest your money
If you love playing on the stock market, you can also invest your money online using websites like ETrade to buy, sell and track your stocks. It is very easy to do and gives you a lot of control over your actions.
Step 5. Organize the calendar
You can organize all your appointments, birthdays and anniversaries using online tools like Google Calendar. You can also share your calendar with friends and family, so they always know where you are and what you are doing.
Step 6. Find a new job
If you want to find a paid job or a position as a volunteer, you can find many opportunities online, using websites like Monster.com. You can search for the name of the job you like, indicate your availability, etc. You can also create a resume.
Part 4 of 5: Getting information
Step 1. Find professional services
The internet is fast becoming something of a giant yellow page list. Most services have a website or at least an ad on Google, so you can easily get information such as address, phone, email, etc., as well as prices and other information. There are even some websites for getting recommendations, such as AngieList.com.
Step 2. Take a course
You can attend full courses at the University or simple free online courses. If you want to learn a new skill or keep your brain active, find a course you like. You can find free courses sponsored by big universities on sites like Coursera, but real online degrees usually cost quite dearly.
Step 3. Learn new things
If you want to find some instructive reading, there are sites for these things as well. Go to sites like TED to find interesting lectures from the world's brightest minds, for free. You can also learn many simple (and some more complicated) techniques on sites like WikiHow. You can also try websites like Wikipedia, which is an online encyclopedia that contains a great deal of information.
Step 4. Draw your family tree
If you are interested in your family history, you can do an online search. There are many genealogy websites that provide not only information but sometimes also photos and summons for military service. Try Ancestry.com, FamilySearch.org, and EllisIsland.org. There are also many online censuses that have been made public.
Part 5 of 5: Have fun
Step 1. Watch movies and TV
If you want, you can also throw away your old television. Many TV shows and movies can be viewed via services such as Netflix or Hulu, which can also be enjoyed via your own TV. Generally you will have to pay a subscription, which will usually be lower than the subscription to services such as Sky.
Step 2. Watch YouTube
YouTube hosts almost any type of video content. You can watch funny clips, movies for the whole family, full TV shows or listen to songs.
Step 3. Play
It is possible to play online (or even gamble!). Sites like games.com offer many classic and free games. Another option are games like fantasy football - a number of leagues available online in which you can play for free.
Step 4. Read the comics
If you loved comics, you will enjoy reading comics online as well. Search for your favorite comic… you might be surprised!
- Read Garfield here.
- Read Family Circus here.
- Find new comics. There are many new comics that have never been published in newspapers but can be viewed online. They are called webcomics, and they cover a wide variety of topics.
Step 5. Listen to music
You can also listen to music online. There are many free websites that allow you to listen to your favorite music. Pandora is a free internet radio from which you can choose various types of music to listen to. You can also try searching for a specific song or artist on YouTube.