The Internet can make life easier, better and a lot more fun. How? In all kinds of ways. In fact, the Internet is now so much part of the fabric of daily life—from doing your banking to booking a vacation—that it’s becoming hard to get by without it. Things that you used to be able to do in person, by phone, or by mail are increasingly only possible online.
And it is, after all, a fabulous invention—perhaps the greatest invention of our age—not because of the big things it can do, but because of the thousands of small ones. The Internet can help you to:
• Stay closer to friends and family. You can send emails, catch up on Facebook and Twitter, make phone calls and video chats—all completely free.
• Save time and money on your shopping. You can buy pretty much anything you need online—there’s no need to trawl through shops and around shopping centers. Also, many everyday things are cheaper online. What’s more, you can track down rare items wherever they may be in the world.
• Enjoy life! So much of today’s entertainment is available via the Internet—music, books, TV shows, and thousands of films, new and old, are just a few clicks away.
• Find out something about absolutely anything. The Internet is an incredible resource for information—from breaking news to practical know-how. Discover how to pin down the facts, listen to the radio, learn new skills, and garner tips on everything from drawing to DIY.
The best news is that the Internet is simple to use. This book has been written with beginners as well as more experienced users in mind—so there’s no unnecessary jargon or complicated procedures to learn. Everything’s explained as if you were having a conversation with a helpful, computer-savvy friend. How to Do Just About Anything on the Internet addresses the questions everyone has when they first use the Internet, then goes on to cover much, much more.
Where relevant, we tell you, click by click, what to do on your computer or other device. If you need to press or select an option, we have put it in bold text. Here and there, you will see images like this 
. They are intended to help you recognize the relevant icons and buttons on your screen. We’ve also pointed you toward some of the many websites and organizations that can help you achieve what you want on the Internet. And there are useful boxes with handy tips—such as how to choose between different Internet providers or how to pick a strong password.
And you needn’t worry about security—so long as you take the right precautions, the Internet is a safe place to be. This book gives you essential safety advice whenever it crops up so that you can protect yourself. And, although there are dishonest people online—just as there are in real life—we give you tips on how to spot their scams.
All these features make How to Do Just About Anything on the Internet an essential guide for anyone who wants to make the most of all the Internet has to offer. There is a virtual world of possibilities out there for you to explore and enjoy.