Help Using the Internet

If you are on this page, you are probably already using a web browser. A web browser can be a part of an internet software such as America OnLine, Compuserve, MSN, or Prodigy or it can be on its own, such as Microsoft Internet Explorer and Netscape Navigator. You can view this web site and other web sites through your web browser. The following features should help you go through the pages of our site and get help when you need it. Getting from one page to another: Using Continue and Back Buttons: Pages often have “continue” and “back” buttons on the pages (usually at the bottom). By pointing to and clicking on these buttons, you can move forward or backwards. If pages do not provide these buttons, then you can use the forward and back buttons located on the top left hand corner of your browser (the top of the screen). It is best to use the buttons on the page instead of those in the upper left corner if you have the option of using both. Using Links: A link (sometimes called a hyperlink) is a word, group of words, or a picture that can be clicked on. Once you click on one of them, you are brought to a new page. This new page can be a new page within a web site, a new page on another web site, or something called a pop-up window (see below). There are several ways you can recognize a link: Words are in blue and underlined When you move your mouse so your cursor is over the words, the cursor changes from an arrow to a picture of a small hand When you move your mouse so the cursor is over the picture the cursor also changes from an arrow to a picture of a small hand For any of these, just point to them and click your mouse once and you will be linked to the next page.We use links on our site to take you to new pages and to provide definitions and useful tips. Using pop-up windows: A pop-up window is a new browser page that appears while the page that you left is still open. The pop-up window sometimes takes up your full computer screen or sometimes it is smaller – maybe a quarter of the screen. Pop-up windows are very useful in providing definitions or extra information that you may need. You can click on the link, read the pop-up and then close it, so you are back where you started. To close a pop-up window, just move your cursor and click on the “X” at the very top right hand corner of your browser. You can practice using a link and find more basic information about the internet by clicking this link to a site called Internet 101. Giving Your Information Online: Online Forms: Online forms are used on this site in the eligibility calculator and the online application*. An online form looks like a paper form with blanks that should be filled in. In order to type in the blanks, first you need to click in the blank. Then just type your information. Sometimes all you need to do is click on the appropriate boxes or circles (called check boxes or radio buttons) to answer the questions. You can find out more about what happens to your information by reading our privacy policy on the online application.* Error Messages: When you fill in an online form, you may get an error message if you forget to fill in important information or if the information you fill in doesn't make sense. An error message is just a pop-up box that appears to tell you about what you forgot or need to change. It’s like someone is helping you to provide the correct information as you go. When the box comes up, read what it says and then click the “X” in the upper right hand corner to close the message.