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On Thu, 3 Dec 1998 13:59:48 EST, [log in to unmask] wrote:
>Can you answer the following for an idiot like me to understand?
>
>If possible
>No computer jargon
>No abbreviations
>No scoffing, coughing, "I can't believe-it"-ing :-)
Would I do that? Never!
>1) What is HTML and why does it matter if someone posts in HTML? (easy one to
>start with??)
a) HTML is short for 'HyperText Markup Langauge'
It is a particular way of writing things so that Web browsers can
interpret them. It is the script of the Web and Web pages are written
in HTML.
HTML involves writting text between special tags that tell the browser
how to display the page. For example, in a word processor, if you
wanted to make something 'bold', you just 'format' the font to 'bold'
by clicking the [B] button. In HTML, you would do this by inserting
something between the 2 'bold' tags like this: <b>something</b>
The first tag is called opening tag, the last one is the closing tag.
The tags are code for the browser to display the word 'something' in
bold type.
b) Most modern email programs can display things written in HTML. This
allows one to send enhanced rich text with all sorts of fancy things.
However, not all email programs can display HTML. They can only
display text that is written without any formatting. Plain text.
Normally called 'ASCII' text. 'ASCII' is pronounced 'ask-ee' and is
short for 'American Standard Code for Information Interchange. A
standard devised by the American National Standards Institute or ANSI.
The other 'poor manners' about sending email in HTML is that the
message is much bigger word for word compared with messages written in
ASCII. It wastes bandwidth and money!
>2) How do you know if you are in HTML?
1. There is usually an option in the settings of your email program
that you can switch on and off. Most emailers these days come with
that option switched on as default. Check your settings and see if it
is on.
2. The receiver will know if the message is in HTML because it will
have formatting. If the receiver does not have an emailer that can
understand HTML, she won't get the message or get a lot of rubbish.
>3) Why do attatched files arrive as lots of little boxes instead of proper
>type?
I don't understand the question. Please explain and tell me what
emailer you're using.
>What should I do to put it right?
I'll need to look at your settings and setup to be able to answer that.
>Is the answer different for AOL users compared to Outlook Express users?
You are not comparing like with like :-)
AOL is an online service provider. In other words, it is a company
that gives you access to online services. Outlook Express is a program
(application) that many people can use if they wish irrespective of how
they get access to online services. I do not know what email program
AOL provides its users with. If you tell me that, I might be able to
answer more fully.
>4) Why do mouse pointers not move properly so you have to keep moving the
>mouse around? Is it down to a poor quality mouse, the wrong sort of surface or
>does it happen to everyone?
- this is usually because a) the mouse parts are dirty (the ball, the
contacts with the surface or the contacts inside), or, b) worn out
mouse (they do have limited life expectancy).
- yes, it does happen to everybody. When it happens to me, I look at
the upturned mouse and see if there is any grime on the surface, if
not, I usually chuck it and buy a new one.
>Sorry if I just asked why does 2+2 =4
You are not. If you were, I would've found the answer a lot harder :-)
>5) Is there a really easy, basic, "computers for ignorant users" book which
>answers questions like mine?
A. Try this: (warning: there is a plug in (B) below!)
1. The Electronic Frontier Foundation's (extended) Guide t the
Internet. One of the oldest and still one of the best guides. You
cvan download it from the EFF's site at:
http://www.eff.org/papers/eegtti/
You might also like to look at one of the many 'jargon busters' sites
on the Web. Try these:
1. An Internet Quick Guide: http://www.internetstudio.co.uk/quick.htm
2. The Jargon Busting Dictionary Corner:
http://www.internetstudio.co.uk/jargon.htm
3. The Internet Hyper Glossary by Steve Jenkins:
C:\WINDOWS\Desktop\Offline\WinFiles_com Internet Hyper-Glossary.htm
4. Computer Definitions and Terms:
http://www.cybermillennium.com/glossary.htm
B. If I passed the test and you found the above useful, why not hire
me to help the Southampton PCG boards with communications understanding
and insights? :-)
Ahmad
---------------------------------
Dr Ahmad Risk
Editor Health Informatics Europe
http://hi-europe.co.uk
Tel: +44 1273 321805
Fax: +44 1273 774614
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