Can any of you suggest places on line to go to learn the basics of computers without having to spend a fortune for an on-line-course?

Thanks,
Billye

Thanks so much for doing this,i really appreciate it. Once again i also
want to thank others who were trying to help.
Can someone please explain what is a router in very simple words??
Very Very simple words What, how,and how they would benifit my laptop.
Sue

I wanna try!

Shiney, a router is used to send a wireless signal so that you can use your laptop around the house without having to plug it into a wired connection to the internet. The router serves as a sort of radio station that only "plays" your internet connection. Your laptop needs a wireless card inside it to work as a radio that can "tune in" to the router's signal.

The wireless card is a little smaller than a credit card and many laptops already come with an installed one.

SilverLady, before you spend any money on internet classes, the easiest way to learn is to jump in and try things. Just click around and see what you get. Many computer stores offer 1- or 2-session beginner classes for a very low cost and these classes can often lead to an adequate understanding. Further, if you want to learn a certain kind of software, such as Photoshop or a music composing software, most computer stores offer these types of classes as well.


I almost forgot, depending on your area, many community centers and high school extensions offer novice computer training for free. Check your community's little newspaper thingy. (Yes, that's a technical term I don't expect you to recognize).

one can also get routers that use ethernet cables and are not wireless.

One end of the cable plugs into the router and the other to the computer. Used when there is more than one computer is the house and links them all to the modem for Internet cable or DSL
Does the same thing a wireless router would, except with cables

HTH

Good point, Chem, thanks!

What I wanted to find was internet sites that would help people who are shut-in. I'm finding my way around this internet world, but there are people here who don't have the benefit of being able to get out of the house. I've got a fractured back and I also have neuropathy, so I am at least temporarily house-bound and who knows maybe permanently. Is there any place on the web where people like me can learn more?

Billye