What You Need to Know Before You Start

It's exciting and easy to search for information using computers--often to the point that it doesn't feel like work at all. However, it can also be frustrating and time consuming if you don't know what to expect. If you're new to computers--or if you're familiar with only one system--read this chapter before you start.

Information is available via computer in several ways:

• From home if you have an encyclopedia or other resource on CD-ROM, or have access to the Internet through your college, library, or an online service
• At a library where you can consult the catalog as well as other databases installed in designated computers; you may also have Internet access at designated computers
• At a college computer lab with Internet access
• At a commercial outlet (perhaps called "Internet Cafe" or "Cyberhouse")where you can use computers for an hourly fee--check the Yellow pages of your local directory under "Computer Rental" or "Computer Training." These places ordinarily have technical advisers, and many offer classes in using the Internet. Note that even though the outlet may offer access to online commercial services, you can't use one without your own established personal account.

A CD-ROM is a disk that looks just like an audio CD, but it contains computer programs or data--often the equivalent of whole shelves of books or periodicals. CD-ROM versions of encyclopedias, dictionaries, atlases, and other reference works are available in libraries and also for consumer purchase. Sometimes you are connecting to a CD-ROM on the Internet. ROM means "Read Only Memory" since the data on a CD-ROM is fixed (can't be changed), unlike the fluidity of information you encounter online.