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Lansing, IL 60438
(708) 474-2447

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Computer Information & Internet Resources

These links are provided as a service to our patrons. We do not endorse any particular site, and cannot provide customer support for them.
There may be other sites available in our area, this is just a starting point.
Note: Some sites have some free services, with additional services available for a fee.

For New Computer or Internet Users

Cool Tools

Free Email Sites

These links are provided as a service to our patrons. We do not endorse any particular site, and cannot provide customer support for them.
There may be other sites available in our area, this is just a starting point.
Note: Some sites have some free services, with additional services available for a fee.

General

History

  • Computer History Pioneers from Google
  • The History of Computing from the Virginia Tech Department of Computer Science. Includes pictures of famous people/machines, organizations, museums, archives, collections and much more.
  • History of Computing Includes information about ENIAC
  • History of the Internet from Internet Society
  • Living Internet Explains a variety of internet aspects such as, the internet, world wide web. electronic mail (e-mail), newsgroups, internet relay chat (IRC), mailing lists and more!
  • Mauchly, John W. -- 1907-1980 "John W. Mauchly and the Development of the ENIAC Computer" presents "a history of the emergence of modern computing as seen through the eyes of one of its two principal inventors." In the 1940s, Mauchly, with J. Presper Eckert (1919-1995), was instrumental in the development of ENIAC (Electronic Numerical Integrator and Computer), "the first large-scale general-purpose electronic computer" and predecessor to UNIVAC. A biography of both Mauchly and ENIAC from the University of Pennsylvania Library.
  • Nerds 2.01 Cast of Characters from PBS. Links to biographies of computing and internet pioneers!
  • Roads and Crossroads of Internet History
  • Timeline of events leading to the internet.
  • Triumph of the Nerds from PBS. Brief biographies of computing and internet pioneers.
  • Unisys History Newsletter Selected articles on the history of the UNIVAC computer. Written by George Gray, a systems programmer and computer historian who is heavily involved in Unite Inc., a Unisys User Group.

Free Instant Message (IM) sites

What is Instant Messaging (IM) and how does it work? Lansing Library's IM Info page

Internet Law

Internet News

Internet Privacy & Censorship

USA Patriot Act

  • The USA PATRIOT Act and Patron Privacy on Library Internet Terminals Library law consultant Mary Minow discusses the impact on libraries of the Uniting and Strengthening America by Providing Appropriate Tools Required to Intercept and Obstruct Terrorism Act of 2001 (USA PATRIOT Act). There is a bibliography with  links to online resources.

Internet Censorship

  • Office for Intellectual Freedom: American Library Association (ALA) "The Office for Intellectual Freedom is charged with implementing ALA policies concerning the concept of intellectual freedom as embodied in the Library Bill of Rights, the Association's basic policy on free access to libraries and library materials." Includes links to ALA intellectual freedom policies and its code of ethics, Banned Books Week information, and steps people can take to oppose censorship. Searchable.

Internet Scams: Learn the Truth at these sites!

Internet Access

  • The List -- The Definitive ISP Buyer's Guide from internet.com Corp. Looking for an internet service provider (ISP)? The List lets you find an ISP by area code or other criteria. Listings include information about what speeds and services each ISP provides. Links to a provider's site will provide more information.
  • Teledesic Internet access via satellite
  • Freedom List Cheap and/or Free internet service providers.

Local Internet Service Providers (ISPs)

These links are provided as a service to our patrons. We do not endorse any particular site, and cannot provide customer support for them.
There may be other sites available in our area, this is just a starting point.

RSS

What is RSS? Lansing Public Library's RSS Info page

Search Engines

Lansing Public Library's Search Engines Page

Tips

  • Computer slow?  Before you buy a new one, try these tips from USA Today.
  • How are you sitting? Check out Ergonomics.com and their recommendations for maintaining proper posture while at the computer. 
  • HealthyComputing An easy-to-use, searchable site describing the importance of computer ergonomics and how to avoid computer-related injuries. It "contains tips on proper workstation setup, buyer's guides to ergonomic products, an encyclopedia of medical conditions associated with computer use, and a special section for common computer-related causes of discomfort and their potential fixes." See Ergonomics for kids, for healthy tips for youngsters.

Tutorials

  • FindTutorials Find hundreds of IT (information technology) tutorials and online training courses for various disciplines and skill levels, as well as a database of daily updated IT job listings.

Virus Information & Security

  • Virus Myths The Truth about virus myths & hoaxes!
  • Virus Information Center a rich, up-to-the-minute resource, containing detailed information on viruses, worms, Trojans, and hoaxes, as well as valuable documentation on the implementation of comprehensive anti-virus protection.
  • Symantec Security Response Virus threats and security advisory notices from the makers of Norton Anti-Virus software. Also contains downloadable updates to Norton products.
  • CVE: Computer Vulnerabilities and ExposuresThis site offers a list of "known vulnerabilities and security exposures" in computer operating systems and software. Find here publications and recommendations from organizations such as the National Institute of Standards and Technology, links to participating organizations, and newsletters. Browsable and searchable.

VoIP (Voice Over IP)

Websites: Planning & Maintaining a Website