Internet and Email
Computers are an integral part of our everyday lives. Most people use the Internet, email and other forms of electronic communication for both work and personal purposes. Everyone should have at least the basic knowledge of how to use the Internet and email.
Internet Services
You can save money with a package or ‘bundle’ plan which includes all or a combination of phone, Internet, and television services. Bundles are usually cheaper than buying each service individually.
In NL there are several types of Internet connection services available, mainly provided by three companies – Rogers, Eastlink, and Bell Aliant.
Information technologies are developing and changing at a great speed, and so do Internet services. Check out the service providers’ websites for the latest information on the types of services they provide, the pricing, and the availability in your area. While most of Newfoundland and Labrador is covered with Internet access, there still may be some rural areas where only selected services are available.
Free Internet Access
Many public places let you access wi-fi networks at no charge — wireless Internet access available to anybody at the location who wants to use a device with built-in or attached wireless Internet connectivity. Sometimes you have to provide an email address and agree to terms of service before accessing the Internet.
Some public places have computers with Internet service that you can use for free; for example, public libraries.
- Do not publish private information on public websites, such as your full name, address, date of birth, etc. Dishonest people may use this information to steal your identity and access your secure accounts, such as your bank account, or for other fraudulent purposes. For the same reason, ignore/delete unexpected email messages asking you for user names or passwords or other private information, they are always fake (senders pretend to be a genuine business or person).
- Keep in mind that everything you publish on the Internet will stay there forever and may be seen by anyone in the world.
- Check the source of the information! Do not believe everything you read on the Internet. While it can be a great source of information on any topic, consider that anybody can be a publisher of that information.
Communication via email has practically replaced the regular postal services or ‘snail mail’. Email is the fastest and least expensive way to exchange written messages.
Most people have a personal email address. You can sign up for a free email address on the Internet. [See Related Resources]
Other Ways to Communicate via the Internet
Here are some other ways to communicate with people near and far using the Internet:
- Internet telephony— Voice or telephone communication via the Internet is quite popular. Internet calls are cheaper, or sometimes free (if both parties use the same service).
- Instant messaging— Many companies provide free instant messaging services. While instant messaging is mostly used for the exchange of short text messages, many of these services also offer audio and video communication and exchange of computer files.
- Social networks— Online social media platforms such as Instagram, Twitter or Facebook provide yet another way to keep in touch with family, friends, or people with whom you share common interests.
You can save money with a package or ‘bundle’ plan which includes all or a combination of phone, Internet, and television services. Bundles are usually cheaper than buying each service individually.