The links below are to paragraphs within this page.  Links to other pages are at the bottom of the page.  The following information is very basic, and is intended to be just enough to get you started.  If you find you need additional help, there are plenty of books on how to navigate the web at your local bookstore.  I will not be defining things like http or URL, so if you want the actual definition and full explanation, I can recommend an introductory course or a self-help book.

Browser

Your web browser is simply the software program you are using that enables you to view a web page in plain English on your computer's monitor.

Link

A link is a line of text that links one page to another page, or another part of the same page.  It is usually underlined and a different color from the rest of the text.  The links I use at the bottom of each page are in buttons, so you may not notice the color difference until you place your cursor over one of the buttons.  When you place your cursor over any part of a link and click, you will be taken to a new page, or to a different part of the same page you are on, depending on what the link says.  For example, if you wanted to go to the top of my page right now, you could click on the Top of Page link, and you would find yourself at the top of this page.  To get yourself back down to the middle of the page without using the down arrow on the right side of your browser, you could click on another link.

If you are ready to begin, click on a link at the bottom of the page.  If you need further information, keep reading.

Home Page

The home page is usually the front door to a web site.  Some sites only have one page, but most sites have multiple pages, and the Home Page is simply the starting point.  The Home Page will tell you what the site is about, and will provide links to other pages within the site, and often will have links to outside pages (pages in a different site).  Some Home Pages contain information, others are just a portal to enter the site using a link on the Home Page.

URL

The Universal Resource Locater (URL) is simply the address of an internet page.  Web browsers all have a line where the user can type the URL, or web address, of the site they want to browse.  Older browsers require you to type in http:// at the beginning of the web address.  Most newer browsers allow you to simply type the address.  Not all Internet addresses begin with www, so make sure you have the correct address.  Just as you wouldn't be able to find a specific book in the library if you didn't know what building the library was in, you will not be able to find a specific web page if you do not know the address of the web site.

Search

However, if you don't know the exact address, you can try typing in something resembling the address, and sometimes you get lucky and land on the right site.  If that doesn't work, you can use a search engine to help you find your way.  There is more information about search engines on the search engine page.   Top of Page

Back

When you click the Back link on any page, you will be taken back to the page you viewed immediately before the page you are on.  You can click on Back as many times as you like to go back through previous pages.  Sometimes there is a Back link on the page you are viewing, but if not, you can always use your browser's back button.  The back button is usually found near the top of the browser window, and may be labeled, or simply may be an arrow pointing to the left.

Home

You can also click on the Home link on any of the site's pages, and it will take you back to the Home Page for this Internet for Nurses site.  Be aware that once you use a link that takes you out of my site (called an external link), clicking on the Home link will take you to the home page of the site you are currently browsing.  If you want to get back to this site's home page after leaving my site, you can use your browser's Back button (usually found in the tool bar near the top of the page) until you find your way back into one of my pages.  Don't be afraid to leave my site, you can always find your way back here again by using the back button several times or by simply typing the address in the URL line at the top of your browser.  If you have bookmarked the site, you can return to it any time by using your bookmarks or list of favorite places. (Instructions below)  Top of Page

Bookmarks/Favorites

If you are uncertain that you will ever be able to find your way back to the Internet Sites for Nurses Home Page, and you think you would like to use my site again in the future, look at the top of your browser window for something labeled Bookmark or Favorites.  When you are on a web page you would like to visit again, click on that icon or drop down menu, and then tell your browser to save the page as a favorite (or bookmarked) place.  The next time you want to visit the site, you will go back to that same icon or menu item, and look for the site on the list.  Highlight the page you want to go to and click.  Some browsers may require that you double-click the highlighted item.  Make sure you label your bookmarked pages with a name you will recognize so you will be able to find it again.  Your list of favorite places can get long and out of control rather quickly, so only save those sites you are sure you want to use again, or think you may want to use again and have a complex or difficult to remember address. Top of Page