Entering A Proper Web Page Address

The addressing of a web page is relatively simple. But you must keep in mind that computers are notoriously unforgiving. Leaving out even one period (.) will cause things to go haywire. So keep your patience cap on while you're learning.

At the top of the Browser, you will see a field called 'Address', and next to it, a space for typing.

The address for a web page is called a URL. This stands for Uniform Resource Locator. This is where all of the dot coms come from. Actually, there are generally 3 address indicators that will let you know what kind of organization you are about to visit. The most familiar, (.com), is usually applied to any company or organization that is doing business on the web for profit. Another URL indicator is (.org). These are reserved for non-profit organizations. And finally there is (.net). This is common for referring to a Network such as RMI.NET. There are a few others, but these are the primary URL organization indicators that you will be dealing with.

Most URLs begin with the acronym: http. Http stands for "Hyper Text Transfer Protocol". It is basically letting the Browser know that you are about to send it information to find and display a web page containing text, hypertext, and the type of protocol that will be used. Any time you enter a URL beginning with http, it is generally always followed by a colon(:), and then 2 forward slashes (//). (example: http://) This is the correct formatting for a URL. Occasionally you will see "https". This simply means that it is a secure connection.

Next, you will see the http:// followed by "www". This means World Wide Web, (or World Wide Wait if you're using a slow conneciton!) and is designed to let the Browser know that you will be searching for something that is outside of your computer. (Browsers are capable of displaying pages that are inside your computer as well. You just need to know how to tell it to.) Again, "www" is just the one of the most common components of a URL. But it is by no means the only form of addressing.

Next follows the actual address of the web site that you would like to visit. For example, our address is bidplus.com.

So finally, here is the entire URL for BidPlus:
http://www.bidplus.com

This is precisely what needs to be typed into the address field at the top in order to begin web surfing.

Once it is typed in, you need only hit the Enter key, and your surfing has begun. Depending on the speed of your connection, you will shortly be presented with the contents of that particular web page.

Also notice how the URL has changed color and is now underlined. This means that this is "Hypertext" or a "Hyperlink". Whenever you see a hyperlink on any web page, you can click and either cause something to happen (like a download), or you will be taken to a different web page. You are now officially surfing the web!

Be sure to review the topics covering the buttons in Button Bar , and how to Save Your Favorite Web Pages .

To remove the history of your visits to various URL's, click on the Options menu, and then choose Internet Options. Now click on the General tab, and then choose the Clear History button down at the bottom.