The Internet is like a magic carpet that can take you anywhere in the world in seconds. Things you have always wanted to do become possible. Things you already do now become easier. For example: E-mail, the simplest Internet activity, is an instant form of letter writing. It lets you connect with almost anyone, anywhere in the world – and no postage is required. If you have a grandson who won't answer your written letters, try sending him a letter by e-mail. E-mail is the reason most people first go online. Millions use it to stay in touch with friends and family. Even if e-mail is all you ever do, it's well worth entering cyberspace. As you acquire more "CyberSavvy", you may try sending voice messages and pictures. You'll love to see and hear messages to let you know mail has arrived. "Chat rooms" are a popular way to exchange messages online with groups of people who share an interest. It's a great way to make new friends, explore ideas, get advice, or simply to talk to someone. "Message boards" and "newsgroups" are other ways to communicate online. Pick a subject that interests you, send a comment or post a question and wait for others to respond. And they do! But, just as you know to be cautious about who overhears your conversations on the street, you need to be aware of precautions in chat rooms. (Learn more about how to protect your privacy) It's called "e-commerce". Now you have access to the most complete shopping mall, product catalog, and service directory ever imagined. You can buy a book, a dress, a car, a computer, a stock; you can do your grocery shopping, order airline tickets, or flowers. You can also just window-shop. The Internet is ideal for comparison shopping. There are programs that let you name your price for airline tickets, hotel rooms, cars, even phone service, by placing a bid online and waiting for a supplier to accept your offer. If you deal with reliable merchants, online shopping is as safe as real world shopping. Best of all, you can shop from your chair, any hour of the day, rain or shine – a boon for busy persons and those who find it difficult to get to stores. Most people pay for online purchases by credit card. Credit card information is transmitted in coded form, and is quite secure. You can also complete online transactions with a personal check sent by regular mail. The amount of information available on the Internet is astonishing, and much of it is free. CyberSavvy older people, in fact, are fast becoming health savvy, investment savvy, weather savvy, and consumer savvy. The Internet can take you to the stacks in the Library of Congress and to paintings at the Louvre Museum in Paris. You can trace your family history or the repair frequency history of a used car model you're about to buy. You can read today's paper or look up an article you missed last week. Want the ferry schedule from Sorrento, Italy to the Isle of Capri? It's on the Internet. Want to read consumer education pamphlets from the Federal Consumer Information Center in Pueblo, Colorado? Read them on the Internet, free. Current legislation and general information on local, state and federal governments is available online. Whatever you want to know right now, chances are it's on the Internet. Why should kids have all the fun? In cyberspace you'll find games for grownups, such as solitaire and chess, as well as activities you can enjoy with grandchildren. Cyberspace has almost as much to offer in the way of entertainment as your TV, except that in cyberspace, you are one of the players. Exploring the Internet is more than a mind-opening experience...it's fun! Millions of consumers of all ages have started online businesses based on hobbies, new ideas, or an existing business. You'll be surprised how many potential customers find their way to your Web site if you have a useful product or service to offer. Like brick and mortar businesses, many online businesses start small and grow. Is there a subject you've always wanted to study? Most likely there's an online course you can take. You can even get a college degree online. Banks are now encouraging customers to bank online. That means you can access your account at any time, 24 hours a day – seven days a week – and transfer funds between accounts, see if a check cleared, or balance your checkbook. You can be your own travel agent, buy your plane tickets, compare prices, research vacation spots, check the weather, reserve rooms or cars, and take advantage of last-minute travel bargains. You'll find information about the smallest bed & breakfast to the largest hotels and resorts on the Internet. Interested in taking an Elderhostel trip? Check it out on the Internet.   Welcome • Things To Do Online • Let's Get Started • Word Savvy Web sites of Interest • Feedback • Back to CyberSavvy.org • Privacy Statement