Here are some useful tips to help you get the most out of our Website.  The majority of them are geared toward new or fairly new users.  Just click on any "Show Me" button for more details.

Important note: The procedures on the "Show Me" pages are accurate for Windows98.  If you're using a different version (e.g., Windows 3.1) or operating system (e.g., Macintosh) you may have to take other steps.  We have used actual screen captures for clarity, so please wait for the images to load, if necessary.

Click here to return.


 
Set your screen size to 800x600 pixels and your color depth to "True Color".  Even though you will be able to see every page at any size, setting your screen to 800x600 pixels gives you the largest possible view without having to scroll side-to-side.  ("Pixel" is a word formed from "picture" and "element" and is one of the tiny dots of light on your computer or television screen.)  If your color depth is too low, the graphic images on your screen will look spotted, somewhat like an impressionist painting.

 

Turn on your speakers (you shouldn’t require help here).  Some pages may have sound.

  
If you find yourself hopelessly lost among pages or at a page with no link, click on your browser’s "BACK" button to retrace your steps.  It’s a lot like dropping bread crumbs behind you to find your way home, except that no birds will follow behind you and eat them.
 

 

Place your pointer over any word, picture, or area and hold it there for a second.  If your pointer changes shape, that area is a "link" and clicking there will cause something to happen, such as going to another page, playing a sound, etc.  Word links will often be a different color and underlined.

  
If you encounter a term that is unfamiliar to you, try clicking on that word or phrase.  Many of them, especially if they're a different color and underlined, take you directly to a glossary which will provide you with a definition or explanation.  Try it by clicking on Ecosystem, then click on your browser's BACK button to return.

  
You can also click on the "HOME" link at the bottom of some pages to start all over again.