Getting Back to Basics: Improving Your Knowledge of Technology

In order to access health information online, you first need to have a good understanding of basic computer technology.  Accessing the Internet requires a broadband connection through an Internet Service Provider (ISP).  Major ISPs in our area include CenturyLink and Comcast.  These are only two of many companies that provide its customers with access to the Internet.

Once an ISP is established, you will need a modem to actually connect to the Internet.  A modem connects to a telephone outlet in your home, which then communicates with your ISP to provide your home with access to the Internet.  Many modems offer wireless access to the Internet, which is otherwise known as Wi-Fi.  A router, which is sometimes built into a modem, allows you to connect multiple devices within your home to the Internet.

Once an Internet connection is established, you can now access the Internet through a browser.  Browsers include Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, Microsoft Edge, and Internet Explorer.  Using the Internet along with various other programs at the same time can take up a lot of your computer’s random access memory, also known as RAM.  If your computer does not have enough RAM, the computer will likely run very slow.  It is also important for your computer to have enough storage space on it.  If it does not, you can set up a “Cloud” account, which saves your files in an online location on the Internet instead of taking up space on your computer’s hard drive.