So, you are just getting started using the Internet.Ö MBDP welcomes you to our site, and suggests you read the following tips to get up to speed fast in making the most of the web.

 

Here are a few things to know before you get started:

1. The Internet is a maze of information, a "web," and it may seem is easy to get lost. If you don't know how to get back to the beginning, you can just type www.vtmicrobusiness.org into the address box of your browser.
   
   
   
   
   
2. In order to get from page to page, just click on any text that is "linked."
   This may be text that is...
         underlined www.vtmicrobusiness.org
   
         set apart in a colored box,
   
   
   or part of a graphic
   .
   
   
3. You will use the mouse to click on the links. You just need to click once. It will then take a moment for the new page to load.
   If you want to go back to previous pages, you can click on the "Back" button in your browser.

There are a lot of ways to find information on the web:

1. Going to a specific address - If you have a specific address for a place you want to go, type it in the box at the top of your browser
   
   
   
   
2. Searching on a specific topic - If you know what kind of information you need, but don't know where to get it, you can use a search engine such as
   www.yahoo.com
   www.dogpile.com
   www.goto.com
   
   
3. "Surfing" from one site to another using the links within a site - It is possible to get from one site to another through their "Resource Links" or "Recommended Sites." This can take you to a variety of related locations to gather the information you need.

And here are a few pitfalls to avoid:

1. Set goals before your start.
   Spend a minute thinking about, and even writing down what information you are seeking. If you feel like you are getting off-track or overwhelmed by the information, remind yourself that there is something specific you are trying to get.
   
   
2. Watch your clock.
   It is easy to lose track of time when you are on the web. Decide how much time you want to spend and then be disciplined about sticking to it. You can always go back later to get more - just write down the addresses of the places where you want to return.
   
   
3. Avoid misleading advertising.
   Many sites, particularly search engines, have banner advertisements (like billboards on the side of the highway). They want to draw you into their site and often try to make their ad look like part of the web site. Anything that has some sort of "Special Offer, Click Here" is probably an advertisement trying to sell you something. Be aware. Do not give out personal information like your name, address, phone numbers, credit card numbers, etc. unless you know the web site is secure and has a solid reputation.
   

Is the Internet safe?

We've all heard the metaphor that the Internet is the information superhighway. Well, if the Internet is I-89, you'd probably consider it a pretty safe place. On the other hand, you wouldn't want your 10-year old driving it alone after teaching himself to drive, right? We tell our kids to look both ways before crossing the street. We tell them not to get into cars with strangers. We tell them the world is not a bad place, but that we need to be careful about some things. And we need to tell them the same kind of thing about the Internet, but first we need to understand the risks involved.

Don't give out personal information such as your name, address, telephone number, or credit card number unless you have trust and confidence in the recipient of the information and the transaction is secure. If you decide to buy something online, check out the seller first and the stated privacy policy. Don't give out any more information then you are comfortable giving. If you pay by credit card (which can limit your liability if you are unsatisfied with the product), record the date, time, dollar amount, and web site where the transaction was made.

We recommend spending some time navigating around our site to get comfortable and get the information you need. If you run into difficulties, call us (from anywhere in Vermont) at 800-287-7971 and ask for Micro Business.

 

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