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Ten Tips for Using the Internet
1. Change the page that opens when you start using Internet Explorer (Home)
2. Use new windows for links, rather than using your "back" button
3. Fine-tune your searches to filter out stuff you don't want
4. Get to the first page (homepage) of any site when there isn't a "Home" link on the page you're on
5. Use multiple windows to save time
6. Stop other people seeing where you've been on the Internet
7. Save pictures you've found on the Internet onto your hard disk
8. Get rid of those annoying pop-up windows
9. Find out the address of a page that's on a site built using frames
10. How to make pages load faster

1.  Change the page that opens when you start using Internet Explorer (Home)

  • Make sure you know the address of the page you want, or that it's currently open in your browser.
  • Go to the menu bar and select "View" (in IE4) or "Tools" (IE5). 
  • Click on "Internet Options", and you'll get a dialog box with a number of choices. 

  • Delete the address currently in the "Address" field
  • Either type in the address you want to go to when IE starts, or, if that page is already open, press "Use Current"
  • Press "OK"
  • Done - this will remain your "home" page until you or someone else changes it. 

2. Use new windows for links, rather than using your "back" button

 

Next time you have a page of links from a search engine query, pressing SHIFT while you click on the link will bring it up in a new window. Alternatively, right-click the link, and select "Open in New Window"

You can of course keep doing this with many links (don't be afraid of having multiple windows - that's what Windows is all about!). This way, you can carry on reading and researching while new pages download.
 
3.  Fine-tune your searches to filter out stuff you don't want
Some search engines allow you to narrow searches down in a way that can help you to locate exactly what you want first time. I'm in the process of writing this paragraph, but the Library at Berkeley has such a good page on how to search well, that I might as well direct you to it.  Berkeley Library Internet Searching Tips. See their top general search engines as well: good advice from expert users.