LESSON 10
Using the Web
Security on the web is important when you want to send personal
information, such as credit card numbers, over the Internet. There are
secure Web pages that will protect personal information you send. Many
people feel it is unsafe to transmit credit card numbers over the
Internet. In fact, sending a credit card to a secure Web page is safer
than giving the number to an unknown person over the phone.
Secure Web pages work with Web browsers to create an almost unbreakable
security system. When you send information over the Internet, the
information may pass through many computers before reaching its
destination. If you are not connected to a secure Web page, other
people on the Internet may be able to view the information you transfer.
The address of a secure Web page usually starts with https rather than
http.
When you visit a secure Web page, your Web browser will usually display
a lock or key on the screen, in the lower right corner of your tool
bar, to indicate that the Web page is secure. Many Web browsers also
display a dialog box alerting you that you are about to view a secure
Web page.
Banking on the Web
Many banks allow you to access your banking information over the Web.
You can pay bills, transfer money between accounts and even apply for a
loan. You can access your banking information when it is convenient for
you – 24 / 7. You can use the Web to schedule your bill
payments in advance. This is useful if you are going on vacation or
away on business.
Shopping on the Web
There are thousands of products you can buy on the Web, such as
clothing, office supplies, programs and food. The Web is a great source
for purchasing rare items such as out- of – print books. EBay
had a blue angel plane for sale. The minimum bid was more than my
pocket change, and besides I don’t fly, so I passed that one
up.
Shopping considerations are the cost of delivery and the cost to return
an item that may have come from any place in the world. Most Web sites
offer more up-to-date information about products and prices than
catalogs and flyer's. You can also use the Web to find reviews and
ratings of the products you want to buy. This allows you to make an
informed decision before making your purchase.If you do not want to pay
with credit card direct, you can get protection from signing up with
Pay Pal that is used at www.ebay.com
Comparison shopping
You can use the Web to compare products and prices. There are many Web
sites that will do comparison-shopping for you. When you search for the
product you want, the Web site will display a list of matching products
with prices and links for ordering. You can find comparison-shopping
tools at the following Web sites:
www.bottomdollar.com
http://www.shopfind.com/
Prices for products sold on the Web are generally lower than prices in
traditional stores because companies do not have overhead costs, such
as rent and salespeople. Many stores on the Web also give discounts
when you make a purchase. You can even find electronic coupons for many
items at the following Web sites:
www.couponsurfer.com
www.coolsavings.com
One of my favorite sites for gifts to be sent direct to relatives for
birthdays is www.overstock.com
You can have it wrapped and shipped direct with your own message
included. Another favorite is www.amazon.com
Auctions on the Web
You can find auctions on the Web where you can bid on products such as
computers, jewelry, gifts, and much more. You can find person- to-
person auctions at the following Web sites: www.ebay.com.
Businesses use merchant auctions to offer their merchandise to the
public. Merchant auctions often offer over-stocked or refurbished
products, such as computers, house wares and sporting goods. You can
find merchant auctions at the following Web sites:
www.ubid.com
www.onsale.com
Traditional auctions houses, such as Sotheby’s, are beginning
to offer auctions on the Web. These auctions specialize in fine art,
antiques, collectibles and jewelry. You can find the
Sotheby’s Web site at: www.sothebys.com
Bidding considerations
Before bidding on a product, browse the Web to see what companies are
charging for similar products. You may be able to buy the product for a
lower price. Check shipping fees as they can greatly increase the price
of a product. All sales are final on auction Web sites. At a merchant
auction, if you win the bidding, your credit card is charged
immediately.
Be sure to use the search engines such as www.google.com when
looking for any items for comparison.