Internet Info
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The MJBs web site: www.mjb.org is intended to provide general
information to MJB "members". All MJBs are encouraged
to obtain Internet access so that they can keep up with what's
happening. To do so, you need a few things: a) a PC or another
device to run the software required to connect to the Internet;
b) a modem and possibly a phone line (not required for Comcast)
to communicate with; and an Internet Service Provider
(ISP) to supply your connection. There are many ISPs to choose
from.
The author of this note currently uses Comcast. The biggest issue
associated with switching from one ISP to another is your e-mail address. With
that in mind, you should obtain an e-mail alias to simplify the
transition. Aliases are available through a variety of means including
IEEE.
Once you have your PC and surf the web, you should take a little care
to make your PC more secure. Click on PC Security for some hints/suggestions from PC
World on this subject.
Libraries are another source for cheap Internet service. University
alumni associations also tend to offer good deals to alumni. Shop
around and remember that the cheapest is not always the best. If
you have trouble accessing the system, then the money you save on
monthly charges is eaten up by wasted time.
If you utilize the PC as the device to run your Internet software,
check out Purchasing or Upgrading Your PC
for some free advice on how to obtain or
upgrade a PC. Remember that free advice isn't always the best,
but it is information which may help you in your decision-making
process.
The Internet provides a wealth of information and you will find it
useful after you learn how to sift through it. MJB's are encouraged
to produce some material for the home page. Check out
Duff's HTML Notes for some hints on how to learn about developing
Hyper-Text Markup Language (HTML), which is the language of the Internet.
There are a lot of tools for producing HTML on the market including most
modern Word Processors, but it is still useful and often quicker to write
your HTML directly. For browsers/surfers, below are some suggested
web sites to try out:
People/Business Search
The www.switchboard.com site is one of many on the Web that can be used
to find people/businesses. There may be better sites than this, and
based on suggestions from MJB folks, the recommended site will be modified
accordingly.
Reverse Phone Lookup
The numberfinder.com site is one of many on the Web that can be used to find
perform reverse lookups (eg. find a name given a phone number).
Trip Planner and Map Maker
The www.mapquest.com is a favorite site for trip planning, map production, and directions.
Many of the MJB flyer maps are produced using this service. Note, there are
other similar and good sites for this purpose.
Accu Weather
The www.accuweather.com site provides up excellent weather reporting.
School Closing Information
The www.schoolsout.com site provides an excellent way to find out about school
closings. You register for a particular school and provide your e-mail address and the
site takes care of the rest. You get an e-mail with every change in status (e.g. 1-hour
late, closed, etc). You get it before you can even hear it on the news stations.
Weather Channel, MD
The www.weather.com/weather/us/states/Maryland.html site provides up to the minute Maryland weather.
MD Weather
The www.wunderground.com/forecasts/MD.html site provides another weather source.
Flight Tracker
The www.thetrip.com site provides a great way to track a flight. When you have an out of town visitor
coming in you can follow where they are in transit and can show up at the
airport in a timely fashion without suffering through delays.
Below is a list by category of some useful sites (thanks to Raj Jahkete):
Autos
- Car Buying, Research
