Internet Tutorial for Grandma
Hi, Grandma!
As you may see, along with this letter, I sent you a brand new computer! I know you’ve never used one before, and you’ve always had trouble understanding the whole “web thing” as you call it. Worry not! I will generally explain how everything operates online.
First off, the “web thing” is actually called the internet. To make it easier to understand, think of the internet as a system similar to the postal service. It all starts with servers. Now, every device connected to the internet can be classified as a server, but we can thing of each server as a house connected to the postal system. Also, each server has a specific address called an Internet Protocol/IP address so a specific device can be located easily.
Each server is connected to a router through cables, or through wireless signals like the radio at your house. These routers can be thought of as the postal office. Routers act as a sorter of information sent to them, and deliver the signals to other designated routers. This is similar to how you send mail; when you send mail, your postal office send mail to other postal offices that cover your mail’s destination. However, router are connected through long wire, or wireless signals. But, information isn’t just sent from your router to the destination’s router; the information has to be sent through a few routers before it’s destination, because of a limitation in the travel distance of wires and signals. Once, the information reaches the final router, it sends the information to the designated server that is the destination.
In short, the messages that you will be able to send me through the computer is sent to your router. That router will sort the information, and send it through a specific path of other routers towards my router. Once the message reaches my router, it will send to it my computer, and I will be able to read it.
Also, you have to make sure that you keep your computer safe. Usually, people keep all their passwords to every website safe. To do this just memorize you passwords, or write them down and keep them somewhere secret. For example, you could keep your passwords in your safe in your room. Try not to save your passwords on your browser, and always change your passwords periodically (preferably every three months). If your passwords leak out to someone with malicious intentions, they could figure out your personal information, and you know how bad that is. Additionally, never download anything suspicious unless it is absolutely necessary. If the computer warns you that the thing you are downloading is dangerous, do not download it. Finally, make sure to keep your firewall up, and download some malware detection software. The firewall is a like a literal wall; it protects your computer from people breaking in, or malware from getting in. It is like The Great Wall of China. Also, malware is like a sickness for your computer, it will break your computer down if unchecked. Usually, you can search the internet for directions on how to do set up a firewall, and download malware detectors.
P.S.: The computer is not water-proof.
Make sure to keep in touch,
Anthony