How To Use The Web To Find The Best Travel Deals

If you want to use the Web to find the best travel deals you should know about travel search engine sites. Using these types of sites is like having your own private travel assistant who scours the Web for the best travel bargains so you don't have to!

Here are some examples of sites that act like travel search engines:

• Kayak.com
• SideStep.com
• Mobissimo.com

Next time you're trying to find travel discounts on the Web, let one of these sites do the work for you-it's quicker and easier!

Got Health Questions? Go Ask Alice!

Want to know a site on the Web that lets you submit your own health-related questions? It's called Go Ask Alice! the Question and Answer Health site from Columbia University. According to the site, all questions submitted are read and a select few are answered.

Boasting an archive of over 3,000 questions and answers as well as the opportunity to submit your own, this popular health site covers topics like:

• Alcohol & Other Drugs
• Fitness & Nutrition
• Emotional Health
• General Health

And more! If you like a health site with a question and answer format, you'll love Go Ask Alice!

Get Them To ChipIn For The Cause

Have a cause that you'd like to raise money for? Perhaps a Web site like ChipIn.com can help. They provide online tools and instructions to make it easy to use the Web to promote the fundraising activities and collect money for your cause-they'll even help you set up your very own fundraising Web page!

To learn more about how ChipIn.com can help you conduct an online fundraising campaign, be sure to read their overview page. You'll find all the information you need to get started!

How To Get Your Computer To Read To You

Want to give your eyes a rest while surfing the Web? If you're lucky enough to have grandkids that are willing to read the text of Web pages aloud to you then you're all set-if not, why not get your computer to do the task? How? By using what's known as text-to-speech software. And you don't have to look far to get it-in fact, you can download a no frills version of this type of software right on the Web for free!

The following sites offer a free basic download of this type of software:

• NaturalReaders.com


• ReadPlease.com
  

It's important to note that the free versions of this type of software typically don't provide the selection of voices or the full range of functions offered with the premium versions, but they're at least a great place to test the waters and see if text-to-speech software is right for you.

Enjoy Free Online Learning Resources At Fathom.com

Looking for free online courses from a respected institution of higher learning? Look no further than the free seminars at Fathom.com, a project of Columbia University. The learning resources you'll find there represent a wide range of topics-everything from Arts and Humanities to Technology.


Here are just a few of the seminars you might find interesting at Fathom:

• The Basics of Screenwriting
• The First Fifty Years of Cinema
• Music from the Renaissance and Baroque
• Biodiversity: Threats and Protective Measures
• Beyond The Internet: Predicting the Future of Computing Technology
  

As you can see from the variety of the seminar titles above, Fathom.com is quite an eclectic resource for the curious mind-you'll likely find plenty to satisfy your hunger for knowledge.

Play Picture Sudoku

Numerophobes take note: If you've been staying away from the challenging game of Sudoku because of your fear of numbers you can no longer use that as an excuse. You'll be happy to know that there are sites on the Web where you can play Sudoku with pictures instead of numbers!

Give picture Sudoku a try at one of these sites:

• Play sudoku with pictures of lemons, grapes, strawberries and other fruit at PictureSudoku.com.
• On this Picture Sudoku page from SodokuScore.com you can play with pictures of U.S. presidents, Hollywood actors and actresses and more.

Once you try playing picture Sudoku don't be surprised if you prefer it over the number version.

Free Online Backups For Your Important Files

You've probably heard by now how important it is to make backups of the data stored on your computer-your precious pictures, important e-mails, documents and other vital information that could be potentially lost if your computer ever suffered a major malfunction.

But, if you thought that the only way to make these backups was by using CDs or some other external device, think again-you can also accomplish this task online at one of several sites that will store copies of your data on the Web.

Here are a few online backup sites to check out:

• Mozy.com
• Idrive.com
• Xdrive.com

All of these online backup services offer a limited amount of free storage-enough to allow you to make backups for at least some of your pictures and important documents-for unlimited online storage you'll have to pay of course!

A Virtual Reference Desk At Your Fingertips

Where on the web can you access a dictionary, thesaurus, encyclopedia and dozens of other top notch reference tools for free? One of the best sites for this purpose is Bartleby.com. It not only scores points for its comprehensive list of reference texts-the fact that it's easy to navigate and boasts a clutter free design adds to its usefulness too.

At Bartleby.com you'll have access to all the essential reference tools that years ago you would've probably had to visit a library to find. Some of the highlights include:

• The American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language - This dictionary features more than 90,000 entries.
• Columbia Encyclopedia -This sixth edition contains almost 51,000 articles.
• The Elements of Style - An essential reference for anyone who works with words, this classic is included here in its entirety.

And these are only a few of the important reference texts you'll find at Bartleby.com-consider it your virtual reference desk online!

Do You Care2 Make A Difference?

Which of these causes are dear to your heart? The environment, civil rights, cancer awareness, animal welfare? Whatever cause you're passionate about, chances are you'll find many like-minded individuals to connect with when you join Care2.com an online community especially for people who are dedicated to making a difference in the world they live in.

Here are just some of the things you can do at Care2.com:

• Join a group or start your own
• Create free online petitions
• Learn to become more environmentally conscious
• Discover some unique ways to generate donations online

And more! Not happy with the status quo? Join Care2.com like more than 7 million people already have and start making a difference right now!

Photo Tips From The Pros & A Whole Lot More

Just like all cameras are not created equal, all photography web sites aren't either-some, like TakeGreatPictures.com are just a cut above the rest. A production of The Photoimaging Information Council, TakeGreatPictures.com offers advice from professional photographers among its many features that make it a standout.

Whether your interest lies in digital photography or just photography in general you'll find a lot to like here. Pay particular attention to the terrific selection of columns including:

• Master Photographers Tell You How
• Digital Photography
• Digital Camera information
• Scrapbooking
• Photo Tips & Techniques

In addition to all the informative articles they offer, TakeGreatPictures.com also provides helpful tools like a camera comparison guide, a qualified digital processing lab finder, and more. You'll want to check out this site, before you take your next snapshot!

Play The Reader's Digest Word Power Game Online

Can't get enough of the popular Word Power game found in Reader's Digest magazine? You'll be happy to know that you can play it online at the Reader's Digest web site too!

To start playing just follow these easy steps:

1. Go to RD.com and scroll down the page till you see Word Power (under Play Free Games) and click on it.
2. You'll be prompted to sign up for a free registration. (Note: as part of the registration process you'll be offered free e-mail newsletters by default. You'll have to deselect any you don't want.)
3. Click on Join Now and The Word Power Game will begin shortly.

Now you can brush up on your vocabulary with The Word Power Game anytime you visit Reader's Digest on the web!

Bring Back Memories Of The Fabulous Fifties

Do you remember the Fabulous Fifties? How could you forget them? If you're a senior who longs for the days of Hula Hoops, 3-D movies, black & white TV sets and Elvis you'll welcome a visit to FiftiesWeb.com, a site primarily devoted to 1950's nostalgia.

At this terrific site you'll journey back to the 1950's through articles on:

• Classic TV
• Fashion
• Fads
• Pop History

And plenty of other items of interest to nostalgia lovers. On the Web since 1996, the site has also expanded to include info on the 60's, 70's and beyond as an added bonus!

How To Use Google To Quickly Find The Store Nearest You

Did you know that there's an easy way to use Google to find the nearest store location of your favorite retailer? For example, let's say you want to find out if there's a Home Depot close to your home. Just follow these easy steps:

1. Go to Google and in the search entry box, type your zip code followed by the store name-in this case it would be Home Depot. (note: in some cases you might need to add the phrase "department store" as well, to differentiate it from businesses in the area with the same name.)

1. Click on Google Search.

That's all there is to it. The resulting page will display a map showing the store locations closest to you. Give it a try!

Your Gateway To State Tourism Web Sites

Haven't decided yet on where to go for your next vacation getaway? Why not check out one of the many state tourism web sites for some terrific hints. And there's no need to bounce around the Web to locate each one of them, by the way. All you have to do is stop by the Travel and Tourism Sites for the 50 States and U.S. Territories page on the Web Site of USA.gov!

You'll find this alphabetized directory of state tourism sites a welcome convenience and a handy reference when it's time to make travel plans. It will save you time because it includes all the links you need to important state tourism sites.

If you're thinking about vacationing somewhere in the U.S., don't forget to bookmark it!

What Will You Stumble Upon Today While Surfing The Web?

In the offline world you take recommendations from others when deciding what restaurant to eat at or what movie to see, right? Well, now a site called StumbleUpon has brought that concept to the online world of search. Stumbleupon harnesses the collective power of the masses or what they call, "people-driven technology" to help you find the web sites that might interest you most.

From the site:

Using a combination of human opinions and machine learning to immediately deliver relevant content, StumbleUpon presents only web sites which have been suggested by other like-minded Stumblers. Each time the 'Stumble' button is clicked, the user is presented with a high quality web site based on the collective opinions of other like-minded web surfers.

To take full advantage of this service, including the 'Stumble' button in the above quote you'll have to download a piece of free software called the Stumbleupon Toolbar from their homepage. Read Getting Started With StumbleUpon to learn more how this software works, and to see if it's something you think you would enjoy using.

Try These Mind Bending Challenges From Scientific American

As mental workouts go, you'll find fewer that are more challenging, educational and just plain fun, than the workout you'll find at the Recreations section on the companion web site of the popular magazine Scientific American.

The game categories include:

• Sci-doku - Enjoy Scientific American's twist on the game of sudoku.
• Interactive games - Learn a thing or two while having some fun.
• Puzzling adventures - Put you logic and reasoning abilities to the test.

Kudos to Scientific American for providing some terrific online puzzles and games!

Where To Find Important Nutrition Information For Seniors

Looking online for reliable information about the nutritional needs of seniors like yourself? You'll want to check out the Food and Nutrition Information Center's page on nutrition for seniors. It consists of a series of links to articles and tips covering a wide variety of relevant topics.

Here are just some of the interesting links you'll find there:

• Young At Heart: Tips for Older Adults
• Eating Well as We Age
• Better Taste for the Older Years
• Nutrition After Fifty: Tips and Recipes

Brought to you by the USDA, this nutrition page for seniors is worth a look!

How To Use The Web To Give Your Hospital A Checkup

Not so long ago, if you wanted to get detailed information about the quality of care at your local hospital, you had to write letters or make phone calls and probably wait a long time to receive a report by mail. Today, thanks to the Web you can get that type of information in a matter of minutes and with just a few clicks of your mouse-if you know where to look, of course!

A particularly useful site to check when you're researching hospitals is Hospital Compare, a website created by the Centers for Medicaid & Medicare Services, the Department of Health and Human Services, and the Hospital Quality Alliance.

From the site:

Hospital Compare displays rates for Process of Care measures that show how often hospitals provide some of the care that is recommended for patients being treated for a heart attack, heart failure or pneumonia, or patients having surgery. Hospitals voluntarily submit data from their medical records about the treatments their adult patients receive for these conditions, including patients with Medicare and those who do not have Medicare.

To see how your local hospital measures up, go to Hospital Compare and type in the hospital's name and state in the appropriate text entry boxes at the bottom of the page, and then click Next Step. Just continue following the instructions the site provides and you'll eventually see how your local hospital compares in some key areas of medical care.

Make A Difference At Wish.org

Want to get more involved with The Make-A-Wish Foundation but not exactly sure what the first step is? They've made it easier and more convenient than ever by listing all the ways you can help right on their web site at Wish.org. To get started, just visit the site and click on Ways to Help (upper right corner of homepage)

Some of the ways you can lend a hand that are listed on the site include:

• Make an online donation
• Volunteer time and/or your talents
• Raise funds by shopping at select online retailers
  

Wish.org is the online destination for those of you who've always wanted to learn more about this terrific foundation and more importantly, explore all the ways you can help out!

Discover Borders Book Club Resources

Are you passionate about books? You'll be equally passionate about Borders Book Club Resources.

Here are some of the highlights from the site:

• You can watch The Borders Book Club Show, featuring interviews with bestselling authors and round table discussions about their books.
• See what made the list of current and past Borders Book Club Selections.
• Get helpful advice on how to start your own book club.

If you're a big fan of books, this is one site you'll be visiting often!

Missed A Retirement Living TV Program? Catch It Online

If you're a senior who enjoys watching Retirement Living TV you might be happy to know that they offer video clips of many of their programs online as well. This can really come in handy if you missed an episode or two. To view them, simply log on to Retirement Living TV and click on Video Library. You'll find many past episodes of popular shows like:

• The Daily Apple
• Healthline
• Prudent Advisor
• The Art of Living

And others! Additionally, the web site offers message boards, the opportunity to sign up for an e-newsletter, and more-so make sure you check those out as well, while you're catching up on those previous shows!

HP Offers Free Classes Online

When you hear the name Hewlett-Packard what comes to mind? Computers, printers, cameras and more, right? But, did you know that this technology leader also offers a variety of classes on everything from learning more about digital photography to improving your business skills? What's more, you can take the classes online in the comfort of your own home-and they're absolutely free!

Here are just some of the classes offered by HP:

• Professional Digital Photography Made Simple
• Security boot camp
• Building your first web page
• Run your own direct mail campaign

Since class schedules vary, be sure to check with the site to see what's currently available. You can also find out more about the classes and how they work at their Frequently Asked Questions Page.

Could You Be Fooled By A Phony E-mail?

Of the many Internet threats you face while surfing the Web, one of the more notorious is what is known as a "phishing" attack. Although these types of attacks can be carried out in a variety of ways, perhaps the most common form involves the use of e-mail.

The scam works like this: You receive an e-mail purportedly from your bank or similar organization that asks you to verify personal information-usually via a link in the e-mail. Of course, the e-mail is a fake. If you do what it asks, your sensitive information will be stolen and you'll find yourself the victim of a phishing attack!

Question is, how can you tell the difference between legitimate e-mail correspondence from trusted institutions and phony e-mails from the perpetrators of phishing attacks? It's not always easy, which is why several reputable Web sites have created helpful quizzes to test your ability to do just that and help you stay one step ahead of the phishers.

Think you couldn't be fooled? Before you answer, take these quizzes:

• OnGuard Online's Phishing Quiz
• PayPal's Can You Spot Phishing? challenge
• SonicWall's Phishing IQ Test

After taking these quizzes don't be surprised if you start looking at your incoming e-mails with a more critical eye!