An Introduction to Netscape Navigator

Most computer training videos, especially those related to Internet topics, have the shelf life of day-old tuna. Before the ink is dry on the video case, versions and features of a particular piece of software can change or even be abandoned completely. This production by the Baltimore County Public Library bridges the ever-spinning globe of change by demonstrating how the same features are performed in different versions of the popular Netscape browser. Aimed at the beginner, the video covers most of the questions that come up during a person's first baby steps on the Internet. Good overviews of basic browsing and searching techniques are presented, and helpful tips are sprinkled in (especially the explanation of the "find" command, which can help you wade through monstrous amounts of text to hone in on what you're looking for). All of the demos use the Windows version of the browser, but operationally it will apply to Mac users as well. The best way to teach someone basic computer skills is to patiently stand over their shoulder (with a ruler in your hand to "correct" mistakes) while they drive the computer. The second best (and potentially less painful) is a video like this. If you offer Internet services in your library but have little staff time to train patrons on its use, this video is a good choice. Aud: J, H, C, P. (C. Block)