Using the Internet

The Internet contains many resources that can be helpful for persons who are serious about being companions and building community with persons with special needs. This page focuses on tools to use the Internet effectively to find information and to begin to build networks.

This page contains search tools by keywords as well as reference tools by topics.

Watch for more Internet tools in the future.

Search Tools

There are scores of search engines on the Internet. This page contains only a few starting points to start your exploration. Included are general Internet search engines, as well as search tools for people, maps, and software.

Internet Search

Search Engine Watch Links
This site has links to many different search engines, including a list of major search engines fast. Also contains helpful articles on basic searching and power searching.

Altavista
One of the most powerful and complete search engines. Includes instructions on an advanced search.

Yahoo
One of the most popular search engines; also a starting point for information.

Google
A favorite of many for its comprehensiveness. Searches over 1.3 billion pages.

MetaCrawler
Example of a search engine that uses other engines and then compiles the results: MetaCrawler utilizes the following search engines: AltaVista, Go.com, LookSmart, Lycos, Google, Sprinks.

MetaFind
Search engine which allows you to sort your finds according to various criteria.

Search for People

Switchboard
Useful for finding people, businesses, places.

WhoWhere
Helps find persons on the Internet. Finds by e-mail, phone, or web.

Yahoo People Search
Telephone or e-mail search.

Map Search

MapQuest
U.S., Canada, and Europe

MapBlast
Searches dozens of countries around the world.

Software

Shareware.com
"The way to find shareware on the Internet." Shareware is computer software that you can try before you buy.

Completely Free Software
A great site to find free software! Each program is evaluated on a 5 point scale and available for downloading. A newsletter is also available.

CoffeeCup Software

[ Get CoffeeCup - HTML Editor & Web Design Software ]

Reference

These links differ from the search engines in that they are arranged more by topics and the kinds of information rather than relying on keywords. Listed here are general references and Internet references.

General Reference

iTools
An impressive and handy collection of tools for language (dictionaries, thesaurus, translation), geography, people, quotations, and more.

My Virtual Reference Desk
A huge collection of links for news, information, and handy tools ranging from an atomic clock to a calculator.

YourDictionary.com
A site linked to more than 800 dictionaries in 160 different languages

StudyWeb
A quality collection of resources for students and teachers.

Encyclopedia Britannica
The web's best sites, chosen by the editors of Encyclopedia Britannica.

Internet Reference

The List
The definitive list of Internet Service Providers (ISP)

The Ultimates
A collection of search tools on the Internet.

Browsers
A list and links to all of the major browsers and the add-ons and plug-ins that make the web even more interesting. Also includes a link to blocking software, to block objectionable web sites.

Internet hoaxes and urban legends
Before passing on that touching story or that virus scare, look it up to see if it's authentic!