Whenever one calls a link, a copy of a file is transmitted to one's computer's memory where the data are made visible by a browser. There are simple text-based browsers such as Lynx which is used on the Alpha and on the Vax. Lynx does not show colors or graphics but it is fast. There are also graphic browsers which let you "see" formatted text, colors, images, sound--such as Netscape Navigator, Microsoft Explorer, Mosaic. On each browser, the same file looks different. But with the help of the browser, one can see the file. One can also print it or download it for storage on one's own computer.
As more and more people all over the world go online, using the Internet takes more and more determination. You may need to try several times to get a connection and you may find that browsing the WWW or downloading a file takes more and more patience. Pick odd hours to connect, for both ends of your call; in other words, to connect to a server in Europe find a time outside of both your local and European business hours. To speed up transfer, turn off the graphics; if given the option, link to text-only pages.
You see many live links. Generally, they are underlined. When you put your mouse cursor on the link you want, it turns into a hand. Leftclick the link, and wait while the page loads: the stop button turns red and the cursor becomes an hourglass.
To return to the previous page, click the Back button.
To open a URL you know, click File, Open location, enter, e.g., www.lehman.cuny.edu. You may want to put this link into your Bookmarks file: when the file is on your screen, click Bookmarks, Add. To search, click Searching.
To quit on a machine that has a direct connection, click File, Exit. If you have a modem connection, you must also disconnect.
You see many live links. They are underlined. Use tab or the up and down arrow keys to scroll to the link you want, then press Enter. To search, enter g for go to , then enter:
To return to the previous page, press the left arrow. To quit, press q. Log out.