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Getting Web Design and Computer Help
Getting Web Design & Computer Help
Searching the Internet
Some great ways to find information on the Internet. You should do your homework in this first section first before going to newsgroups or chat rooms.
Google -- Google is a great way to find information if you are stuck on a website design problem. You can also use Google to search for tutorials and software documentation.
Google Guide -- Learn how Google works and how to get the most out of it. For advanced users, try this page: Using Search Operators.
Wikipedia -- Wikipedia is a free online encyclopedia. If you see a term below that you don't know and you want to learn more background information (e.g., PHP), type the term into Wikipedia.
Newsgroups
Newsgroups are online discussion group where you can get your questions answered on many webdesign-related subjects. To download newsgroup messages you need a newsreader. Newsreaders come with just about every operating system for free. Outlook Express is a newsreader that is already installed on Windows. Instead of using Outlook Express, I recommend using a free program called Thunderbird instead. It runs on Windows, Linux, and Macintosh. Another good choice for a free newsreader is the Pan newsreader which also runs on Windows, Linux and Mac. Thunderbird is easier to install and use, while Pan has more features.
Forte Inc. -- Good newsgroup access for about $4 per month. They also offer a newsreader program in two versions: a free version and a commercial version with more features.
news.individual.net -- Newsgroup access for 10 Euro per year (about US$13). I haven't used this company but it was recommended to me.
Newsgroups from Wikipedia.org -- Detailed explanation of what newsgroups are.
Thunderbird -- A great free program for reading newsgroups and email. Recommended in Forbes and PC World Magazines. Runs on Windows, Linux, and Macintosh.
Pan newsreader -- A free newsreader that runs on Windows, Linux and Macintosh.
Blinky's Usenet Links -- Some advice on how to use the Usenet, along with other links.
NetNewsTracker.com -- Searches through newsgroups for your keywords and emails you any new related news.
IRC Chat
If you need instant help you can sometimes find it in IRC chatrooms. Like newsgroups, people in the chat rooms will expect you to have done your "homework" first by searching Google.
Chatzilla Firefox Extension -- a free IRC chat program for Windows, Mac, and Linux that works inside your Firefox browser.
Freenode.net -- good IRC servers from several countries.
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