Internet4Free.net

Gadget hounds like me pay a hefty premium for being the first on our block to own the latest gizmos. Life on the leading edge can be expensive, but what about some of the technologies that have been around awhile? Let’s have a look at a few things that we can get for a (relative) song compared to when they were first introduced. Here is a list of 10 technologies that used to be expensive, but now, not so much:

1. Calculators – When I was in high school, I remember having to learn to use a slide rule in my freshman year. Yes, I’m that old. Then calculators hit the market just in time for my sophomore trigonometry and physics classes. Trouble is, they were featured in upscale stores, starting at $100. Now you can buy a calculator watch with more functions, for little more than the cost of the battery that powers it. Speaking of which …
2. Digital Watches – I read somewhere that the average modern-day digital watch has more computing power than the entire Apollo space program. I don’t know if that’s true, but I do know that I can probably buy one for less than a glass of Tang. Those early ones were priced right up there with the calculators.
3. Computer Printers – What used to cost in the hundreds of dollars to own now often leaves the consumer pondering, Would it be cheaper to replace the ink or the printer? Fact is, an all-in-one printer often costs little more than the price of a full complement of cartridges.
4. Security Cameras – It could easily cost you thousands of dollars 20 years ago for a quality surveillance system. Today, for a fraction of that, you can purchase a complete system with several high-resolution cameras and color monitor.
5. MP3 Players – As recently as 4 years ago, a 30GB player could cost between $300-400. Thanks at least in part to the proliferation of smart phones that serve the same function, MP3 player prices have dropped significantly. Still not exactly cheap, but getting there.
6. DVD Players – Another example of legacy technology that has gotten less expensive with the advent of NexGen tech. The arrival of BluRay high-definition DVD has resulted in drastically lower prices on standard DVD players.
7. Mobile Phones – In its infancy, mobile phone technology meant carrying around a veritable briefcase (remember the “bag phone”?) and spending like the corporate big-shot that you wanted to look like. Mobile wasn’t for everyone back then, and high end smart phones can still be pricey; but nowadays you can find deals on some phones for under 25 bucks.
8. Video Conferencing – Not long ago, it was a considerable business expense.  Thanks to free services like Skype, there’s no need to shell out the big bucks to set up online conferencing any longer.
9. Night Vision Optics – Early versions of this technology cost in the thousands of dollars, which left them mostly in military hands. Today, a Generation 1 night vision scope or monocular can be purchased at WalMart for as little as $100.
10. External Storage Devices – It used to be that if you wanted to store data away from your PC, you needed to invest in an expensive external drive. You now have the alternatives of not only significantly less costly drives, but USB flash drives that allow you to store gigs of data on a device that can be carried on a key chain – and for under $20.

As technologies become less expensive to mass-produce, lowering the cost to the consumer, one thing becomes clear. If you’re willing to wait until a tech gadget’s been around a bit before taking the plunge, you can save a bundle.

Yes, it is long overdue, but finally it has been created – a 12 step program for those addicted to FaceBook. FAA (FaceBook Addicts Anonymous) groups are being formed worldwide to defeat this growing addiction. Many FaceBook addicts have been ridiculed as being weak and selfish by those around them. However, more and more people are beginning to recognize this addiction for the true disease that it is, and that it cannot be overcome by simple willpower alone. Below you will find the Twelve Steps to Freedom that are being utilized by FaceBook addicts to break the hold of this menace in their lives.

Step 1: Acknowledge you have a problem. This, of course, is the first and most critical step. The individual must recognize and admit that FaceBook is no longer simply a place for casual social connection to them; it is an addition that has taken control of their lives.

Step 2: Recognize your need of a Higher Power. Once you recognize and admit the addicting hold that FaceBook has on your life, you will soon realize that you are unable to quit on your own. You must have help from someone, something, greater than yourself; someone…who does not live in the FaceBook world. Only you can determine who that Higher Power is. It may be your spouse, your parents or your roommate, but it will be a real live person whom you can touch.

Step 3: Surrender your password to your Higher Power. Step three is a crucial step. You must surrender your FaceBook password to your Higher Power. You must allow them monitor all your activities and change your privacy settings.

Step 4: Do a thorough and fearless inventory of your friends list. For this fourth step, you must go through each and every face on your friends list. You must acknowledge to your Higher Power whether or not you truly know each person, and in what way.

Step 5: Delete all those friends you do not truly know. Now that you’ve created that list of unknown friends, you must make the big step of deleting them from your friends list. It will be difficult. There will be a grieving process involved, but it must be done.

Step 6: Remove the FaceBook app from your cellphone. You’ve come a long way, by this point. Step six will be a turning point in your recovery. You will purposefully and intentionally remove the FaceBook app from your cellphone. You will no longer receive FaceBook status reports on your phone. You will no longer post your immediate thoughts from any and every location. You will confine your FaceBook use to your computer.

Step 7: Do a second inventory of your friends list. You narrowed it down once. In this step, you are going to make a clean sweep. You will determine which of the people on this list is actually related to you and, which are not. Third cousins, twice removed is the very farthest limit accepted in true blood relations.

Step 8: Delete everyone except family. By this time, you are beginning to get stronger. Gather support if you need it, though, this is going to take some time. Delete ALL your FaceBook friends except those you have listed on your family list.

Step 9: Begin using email again. In this step, you will begin putting your new life into place. You will begin using your email account once again to communicate with friends and family. You will re-learn how to attach photo files to emails in order to share them with others. It would be easy to turn back to FaceBook at this point. It may seem like it would be the easy solution, but it ISN’T. You know that.

Step 10: Post your final goodbye on your status. Now that you’ve re-established your new life, it is time to make an official public statement regarding your freedom from this addiction. Post your final farewell in your status.

Step 11: Delete your account. This step must IMMEDIATELY follow Step 10. You must quickly delete your FaceBook account before reading any replies to status update. Other FaceBook addicts will try to dissuade you. They will tell you that having an account won’t hurt you. You must NOT listen to them. They are as in need of help as you were when you began this program.

Step 12: Join a social network for recovering FaceBook addicts. Now that you have reached the last and final step of your program, it is finally time to rejoin the world of the living. You will find it online. A new FAA social network had been created, that will support you in your ongoing recovery. Begin to live again!

There aren’t very many things that you can’t do online anymore. Most of your banking can be done online, you can watch movies, make phone calls, send faxes… The list goes on and on. There are a few things that you still can’t do online. What’s your wish list?

1. Renew Drivers License – They still require you to show up in person to renew your drivers license. You usually need to stand in line, check your vision and have your photo taken at your local driver’s license bureau.
2. Restaurant Reservations – There may be some restaurants that are doing this, but the majority of restaurants still require that you make reservations by phone or in person. You can reserve your airplane seat, why not pick out your table at a local restaurant?
3. Haircuts – This is one of those things that we’re not going to get away from. We’ll always need to have someone physically cut our hair. The ability to schedule your appointments online would be a positive step for salons to make, however.
4. Laundry – Virtual laundries only work for virtual clothes. This is another home duty that we’re not going to be able to eliminate with online technology.
5. Dog Training – Perhaps someone has figured a way to do relegate this to the computer, but not that I’m aware of. As far as I know, the owner still needs to do the physical work needed.
6. Visit my doctor – The capability of having a doctor’s appointment online is already in place, so taking it to the level where you can actually consult with your own local doctor may be coming. For now, you still need to go through the process of visiting the waiting room and exam room located on their premises.
7. Closing on home purchase – These home closings can at times be done by proxy, so perhaps, online means of signing all those documents is coming at some point. They are just another time consuming process in life.
8. Bank Deposits – You can do almost all your banking online. You can pay bills, transfer funds and balance your statements. You can have your paycheck direct deposited. However, if you need to deposit a physical check or cash, you need to make a trip to the bank.
9. Court Appearances – I wouldn’t be surprised to see this one become a reality. Instead of bringing everyone physically into a courtroom, everything could be done online. The accused wouldn’t need to be escorted by bailiffs. Jurors could login from home. It could save us a lot of tax dollars.
10. Marriage License – This is another one of those things that you have to still do in person. Two people need to show up and provide proper identification, in order to apply for their marriage license. I could see this easily becoming available online.

There are those things that just can’t be done virtually, but some of the items on the may happen at some point in the not too distant future.

Sharing an apartment or dorm room can be a great way to say money. However, it can be difficult, and even a little scary, to think of sharing your living space with a total stranger. There are several ways to find a truly great roommate online. This is a much better choice than posting an ad in the newspaper or on a bulletin board.

1. Roommates.com – There is no long term membership with this roommate matching site. Use a basic free membership or use a paid membership for only as long as you need it. You are able to browse and communicate with potential roommates without giving away any of your personal information until you are ready to.
2. EasyRoommate.com – This is another site where you can look for a roommate. You can post the room you want to rent out or post yourself as looking for a place to rent. The site helps people get connected all over the United States. It also provides for group or buddy searches, where two or more people are looking for another person or persons to share living quarters with.
3. GetaRoomie.com – This is a free internet service for helping roommates connect. It also provides some very helpful articles on how to write up a roommate agreement and how to check out the financial situation of potential roommates.
4. RoommateClick.com – Another free internet service for connecting roommates. This site will even allow you to browse the listing for free before you join. Regardless of whether you want to list a room or are looking for a room, all services on the site are provided free of charge.
5. RoommateLocator.com – This site provides an international roommate connection service. It also is a free service. Simply select your location, including country, and search for a room or roommate. All you need to sign up is an email address, but you can begin searching the listing without creating an account, to see what is currently available.
6. RoomieMatch.com - “We’ll take out the trash” is the motto of this roommate connection site. They offer both free and ‘cheap’ subscriptions to their internet service. They do personally scan all applicants for the site, and not everyone is approved. Those who appear to be spammers or in any way not legitimate in their use of the service are culled out through this approval process. The site also sends you email listing of new matches that fit your profile request so that you don’t have to spend time browsing the site yourself.
7. RoommateFinders.net – This roommate matching service has been around longer than the internet itself. The service begins its process with a phone interview with you. The service also does the searching and screening for you, so that you don’t have to be concerned with anything beyond compatibility.
8. RoomieSearch.net – This site covers the USA, Canada and the UK. Its roommate and room searches are free for all members. Simply set up a profile and begin searching.
9. Roommates.us – Providing both free and paid premium memberships, this site will allow you to set up your profile, and search listing with the free membership. However, in order to send and receive messages from other members, you must upgrade to the premium paid membership.
10. Roommates4You.com – Free posting, searching and messaging on this site for everyone wanting to rent a room or find a room to rent. The site also has a large database of helpful articles related to sharing space with a roommate.

Look through the description or visit the sites listed. You’re bound to find a service that you feel comfortable with and that will provide you the assistance you need.

Craigslist is a great resource for people who want to sell their “stuff” they no longer need, or a quick way to make some money on unused items. It’s also a great resource for people who want to look for used, new, or barely used items including furniture, baby items, clothing, cars, motorcycles, jewelry, antiques, electronics and more. While there is always a chance for a “fake buyer” to come across your items, there are many ways to eliminate this risk so that you and your item receive the fair treatment it serves, and you sell what your stuff is worth. It’s easy to post your stuff on Craigslist but to receive the best offers from high quality buyers, there are some steps to making the most money from your items without dealing with hassles from hagglers.  For the best experience on Craigslist, follow these rules for successful selling and buying, and you’ll be a Craigslist expert in no time.

1. Don’t forget about submitting pictures of your item. When selling your item online, pictures tell a thousand words. Submit several from different angles if you can.
2. Learn about the website and become familiar with the lingo. There is a lot to learn about Craigslist, including rules and regulations for posting your item. The more you know about the website, the more informed you can be with buyers.
3. Prepare to negotiate for a price you can both agree on is fair. Negotiation is common on Craigslist, but excessive negotiation is not.
4. Don’t feel pressured to take that first decent offer. Craigslist buyers can have a successful run with selling their items from the many people looking for furniture, cars, and electronics. If you can afford to wait, don’t be tempted by the first offer as you may receive a better one in a few days.
5. Offer a detailed description of your item. The more thorough you are about the specifications of your item to sell, the more responses you will have with potential offers. Buyers don’t like to be in the dark but instead know exactly what they are paying for.
6. Don’t let a buyer talk you into a different form of payment. There are many buyers on Craigslist who agree on your asking price and can guarantee you payment within 24 hours only to, at the last minute, tell you they can offer you half cash and half a trade. Unless the trade is something you really need, be firm with the payment negotiations up front.
7. Consider a meeting place. Like with anything else, safety comes first. It’s never smart (even with a buyer who promises to take your coffee table at your first asking price) to agree to meet them at your home or his/her’s. Offer to meet them in a public place, bring someone else to accompany you and always rely on your gut feeling.
8. Be honest about your item. This is an important secret for dealing with Craigslist ads. Many people who search the website for furniture, tools, jewelry, etc., are professionals including dealers who know what they want and what a fair asking price is. If your item is used, don’t submit pictures of it from when it was brand new or write a false description. In the end, you’ll only be wasting you and your potential buyer’s time.
9. Ask for a reasonable price for your item. If you are on a time crunch and need to sell your item fast, there is no need to undersell it, but ask for a fair price. While Craigslist is a competitive online market place, your ad can also sit there if the price is too high. For example, if you have a used toddler’s bed that you need to get rid of before you move next Tuesday, don’t sell it for a new bed price. Instead, research what a fair price is and start there as a basis for negotiations.
10. Post on Saturday and Tuesday mornings. This is a very useful trick for people who are serious about a quick selling time. Craigslist only lets you repost an item every three days, so posting on Saturday mornings and Tuesday mornings help you regain the most exposure for the weekend rush and those preparing for the weekend midweek.

Selling items on Craigslist can be a valuable online resource for people who want something at a cheaper rate and for others who want to make quick cash on their unwanted items. Knowing how to sell is key to your success, and with these helpful tips, you shouldn’t have any trouble making some pocket change (or more) for your valuable items.

Just about everywhere you go these days, you’re as likely as not to be within shouting distance of an internet connection. WiFi hotspots and internet cafes are popping up all over the place, everywhere from coffee shops to laundromats.  And all over the globe: YouTube in Yucatan, Netflix in Nepal, Facebook in Fiji …

So why can’t I get a signal in Mammoth Cave, Kentucky?

It turns out there are limits to just how much ‘world’ the world-wide web really covers after all. So no matter how long your ethernet cord, or how tall your WiFi antenna, here are 10 places that you’re just not gonna get that Justin Bieber music video (lucky you):

1. Spe-lunk! Went My Signal – OK, so maybe a 15-inch LCD screen isn’t the prescribed light source for caving. So sue me. We all have our addictions. I thought Mammoth Cave would be a great place to watch “The Descent” on Netflix. Silly me.
2. The Subway – It’s probably just as well, since most mornings it’s too crowded for me to even lift my arms, much less open my smart phone. But checking out last night’s Grey’s Anatomy would sure beat having to look at the back of this guy’s head for the next 45 minutes. Three words: Head. And. Shoulders, buddy.
3. Elevators – Why is there always a flaky scalp in front of me everywhere my smart phone won’t connect?
4. Sect. 682 Row D  Seat 11 Lambeau Field - What? How else am I supposed to see the game from up here? Do you see the size of those guys? They look like ants from these seats.  And I can’t quite tell with that cheese on his head, but I’m guessing this guy in front of me has got some snow on the roof too. Yep. Definitely a pattern developing here.
5. Moses Lake, Washington - There’s a few spots in town, alright, but out here on the actual lake it’s just me and the mallards. The good news is that I don’t see any dandruff on any of them.
6. The North Pole – This one’s unconfirmed, but since Santa has yet to reply to any of my emails about that new iPad, I’d say it’s a pretty good guess. Otherwise, no more cookies and milk for you!
7. The Lion’s Den, Big Cat Trail San Diego Zoo - Who’s going to prove me wrong? You?
8. St. Patrick’s Cathedral, Confessional Booth – Hey, I was just trying to explain that weekend in Cabo with the help of a YouTube video.
9. Graves County Public Library, Mayfield, KY - At least not anytime I’ve gone in there.
10. Just About Anywhere… when your battery level is low. It’s a good idea to use that calendar on your phone as a backup to your low-battery indicator, to give you a text and alert chime reminder to recharge every couple of days. More often if you’re in a weak signal area, where your battery will drain faster searching for a signal. Set your backlight to a reduced brightness and shorter duration to conserve the juice.

As you can see, there aren’t many places left where internet isn’t available. If you’re looking to get away from it all, the only way to leave it all behind is by not taking it with you. So every now and then, just shut that thing off  and enjoy the view, dandruff and all. We need to recharge our own batteries too.

Looking for WiFi alternatives to those trendy bistros you’ve been working from? As conventional hotspots become more and more crowded, resulting in some cases with additional charges and/or restrictions on internet access, it’s useful to have other options at your disposal. Luckily, there’s a growing list of just such places, and several means of finding them.

Here’s a look at 10 public places where you can get online for free:

1. Bookstores – Retail book chains such as Barnes and Noble, in a move designed to increase traffic and sell more books, have become a great alternative to the usual coffee shop routine. In addition to free WiFi, there’s the added benefit of not having to worry about tying up a table for too long, or making a minimum purchase to justify your stay. Plus, there are all those books to help you with your research.
2. Public Parks – Let’s face it, one of the reasons you’re lugging that laptop around is to get a change of scenery. Working from home is a terrific perk, but some fresh air can be a fabulous balm for boredom and the routine. You may not be able to plug into AC, but this option, after all, is about recharging your battery.
3. Public Libraries – Most public libraries are now offering free WiFi access. With no membership required (provided you’re connecting with your own device), and no time limits enforced, this is a great option for getting some work done in a quiet, relaxed environment.
4. Local Colleges/Universities – On-campus sites such as the library, courtyards, quads and study lounges are also excellent alternatives for free, and stress-free, Wifi access.
5. Airports – WiFi access can range anywhere from the entire airport to certain areas such as the terminal, lounges or baggage claim/waiting areas.
6. Hotels/Motels – A number of hotel and motel chains such as Holiday Inn, Best Western, EconoLodge and Doubletree provide free WiFi for guests in common areas such as lobbies, restaurants and lounges.
7. Highway Rest Stops - Working on the road can mean long spells without web access. Here’s an option for you road warriors, when you’re between that last client and your next hotel room. Many roadside facilities are being equipped with free WiFi, just for you. Isn’t life grand?
8. Public Transportation – Some large municipalities are wiring their buses and trains for commuter WiFi access. For the non-commuter looking for a stationary hook-up, a good number of bus and train terminals also have hotspots.
9. Best Buy – It’s not exactly an ideal choice for the casual surfer, but Best Buy does provide a means for sampling the goods before making a purchase, or for browsing the web while your partner browses the merchandise.
10. Laundromats – No longer relegated to just watching the clothes go round and round or reading a book, you can now bring along the laptop or break out that smart phone for some online productivity, and get the most out of laundry day.

Granted, not all of these options are likely to be available to you locally. Fortunately for you, dear roving browser, there are some handy tools available for finding out which ones are:

Wifi Hotspot List- this self-described “Definitive WiFi HotSpot Directory” allows you to input a street address to find local hotspots within a 1- to 10-mile radius, and includes a means to add any that you’ve discovered on your own.

WaiFi – With a stylish look and interactive Google-powered map, this site lets you type in a country or city, then flags nearby hotspots with WaiFi markers. There’s an additional feature (which at present does not work with Firefox) that allows you to drag a marker across the map to add a hotspot to the WaiFi directory.

JiWire – Boasting a directory of hotspots in 144 countries, JiWire has a clickable map for navigating through them in search of WiFi hotspots, and offers an app for iPhone users.

In a broadband world, high-speed internet access has become the norm. Streaming video and online movies have made it necessary for most of us. If you’re on a tight budget, though, and don’t need to do much more than basic web surfing, there are a few compelling reasons to opt for dial-up internet access. Whether as a low-cost alternative or back-up to your broadband ISP, or for the mobility advantage of never being further away from the internet than the nearest phone jack, dial-up still has some cache.

If you’re shopping around for the right choice for a dial-up ISP, here are 10 things to consider:

1. Invest in call-waiting. Sharing your internet with the phone line means either taking turns between functions or having the technology to handle both simultaneously. For that you need to have call waiting service on your phone line. This allows you to use:
2. V.92 modem technology – With Modem-on-Hold, you can make and receive phone calls while connected to the internet using dial-up. A simple download of software (usually provided by the modem manufacturer) will allow you to extend the time that you can stays connected while your phone line is on hold.
3. Look for available Internet Accelerators – Most dial-up ISP’s offer some form of internet accelerator which works with your existing phone line and modem, and  by using compression and caching software, speeds up your browser. The use of caching allows web pages to be loaded faster, as the computer stores (in compressed form) much of the data necessary to load and re-load pages.
4. Check available access numbers – Find out if the ISP has toll-free numbers available for dialing up access. If not, make sure they provide an adequate number of local phone numbers to avoid dialing long distance.
5. Check for any maximum usage limits. - Determine if those limits are adequate to your use. Remember, some ISP’s advertise unlimited access. In reality, that works out to about 10 hours per day. If you think you need more than that, you might want to consider other options.
6. Features/Value Added – Does the provider offer such extras as a spam blocker, virus protection, free email accounts
7. Determine your email requirements – ISP’s vary in how many email accounts they offer. Make sure you select one that offers a sufficient number of email accounts for your needs.
8. Look for hidden charges – Some providers charge for such things as tech support,  set-up charges and early cancellation fees if you decide to cancel your service before the contract runs out.
9. Don’t commit long-term – Seek ISP’s that have month-to-month plans so that you can sample their service for a time before entering into any contracts.
10. Technical Support – Check for their hours of operation. You want to know that you can reach help when you need it, and you can’t assume that every ISP makes its tech support available 24/7.

If you are going to be accessing the internet via a dial-up connection, you might as well get the best use of it that you can.

Have you ever thought about starting your own web show to spread your message or information you are interested in throughout the web? Perhaps you are unaware of the awesome power that is derived through the use of a web show of your own that can take your message to a whole other level. Web shows today are used by businesses and individuals alike, in order to spread a message, provide entertainment, or just offer useful information to the public. The show can be short or long and can comprise of anything you wish. You could literally record yourself just living life and publish as the next hot web show you produced. There are really no limits to the use you can get out of a web show and the way you can create such a show, even if you are only using a few seconds for the total show. So, are you ready to learn the steps on how to start your own web show?

1. Gather your ideas and tune your plan. Of course, the first thing you want to do is gather your ideas and tune the plans for success so you can start your web show right. The ideas are the main plot of the show and can consist of reality, informative, or any other type of show possible.
2. Purchase your video equipment to install and record. Once you have figured out the type of show that you are going to create, you have to find and purchase the appropriate equipment in order to record the video to your computer. It can be recorded to a camcorder s-chip that stores the video and can be imported into your computer.
3. Find movie making software. There are several different makers that provide software to make movies such as Windows Movie Maker and many others. Installing a copy into your own computer is essential to creating your web show as you have to make and edit the movie properly in order to release online.
4. Record the material. No matter what type of video you are recording, this is a major step to making your own web show. You have to record the material for the show just like a director would of the type of show you are making. This will then be converted to import into the computer or input into a video upload.
5. Publish web show to site. Once you have created the videos that you need to start your web show, it is time to edit and publish into the site you are showing the show through. If you have your own website, you can add the video in order to start the show off in your own territory.
6. Market and promote your show. You have to market and promote the web show in order to get the viewers that you desire and to ensure a higher volume of traffic. Marketing and promoting online brings you closer to the web show viewers, enticing them to view online.
7. SEO is a very important step. As will any type of application online, you want to remember that SEO is a very large part of the process. In order to create your web show effectively, you should be utilizing SEO practices in order to optimize your web show for the search engines to follow.
8. Spread the news about your show. Your web show should be perceived as a hot item and it is up to you to properly spread the news and make sure that your target audience is able to find and know about your web show. Spreading the news can be done through several different portals online.
9. Social networking is next. Once you have established your web show’s presence, you should be pushing it through the social networks online. Those that are most likely to contain your target audience should be targeted first, followed by social networks that you know everyone else uses. This will greatly influence web users when it comes to watching your web show.
10. Regular feeds ensure updated information. When you are hosting your own web show, you definitely want to use updated and regular feeds in order to ensure that your target audience is aware of any changes or additions to your web show. This will keep them in tune with the web show in its entirety.

Starting your own web show is definitely a great step into the internet, with great communication possible. There are many people that market products and even just offer great need-to-know information through these web shows, while others just offer a great time spent online.

The internet is becoming a very important and useful tool for education. This is true at all age levels, but especially for those important transitional years spent in middle school. We have found ten different ways that middle schools are, or could be, using the internet.

1. Parental access to data. Parental involvement in a child’s education can make a big difference. When a middle school provides internet access to their students grades and daily assignments, parents can work together with the school to achieve success.
2. Parent-teacher communication. Through email and website postings, parents and teachers can communicate on a day to day basis if necessary. This is a much more efficient way of dealing with problems than the quarterly parent-teacher conference.
3. Student research. The internet provides a huge library of resources at a student’s finger tips. Not only does it make research easy, it encourages students to enjoy the learning process that is involved in a research project.
4. Current events.  Teaching middle schoolers to become involved in the world around them has always been one of the goals of current events in the classroom. With the internet, current events can be even more ‘current’ than ever before and include a more global aspect than ever before.
5. Teaching resources. Internet resources aren’t just for students. Teachers now have a much larger resource pool available to them. They can easily see what methods other middle school teachers are using effectively.
6. Global collaboration. With world wide access at their fingertips, schools and teachers can join in collaborative education efforts with schools in other parts of the country or in other parts of the world.
7. Technology training. Internet technology is becoming a basic part of everyday life. The ability to use this technology and keep up with its fast paced changes is now an important  part of any child’s education. Middle school can be the perfect place for students to advance beyond the basics of web surfing.
8. Teacher recruitment. Finding and hiring good teachers is another way that middle schools can use the internet for their benefit. The internet allows the school to present a promotional image to potential teacher candidates. The internet can also be used to search for candidates for specific positions.
9. Online Schools. Sometimes children need other options for their education besides the traditional school building. Online education used to be just for the college level. That is no longer true. There are both private and public online school options available to middle schoolers as well.
10. Promotional tool. School administrators have always spent a lot of time and money trying to keep parents and the public informed about school activities and events. With the internet, schools can now post sports schedules and all their other extracurricular activity information online for easy access.

The internet is not a fad. It is a growing part of everyday life. Middle schools have as much to gain from its use as businesses d