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Conquering Computers - Things the Kids Rave About

THINGS THE KIDS RAVE ABOUT

You can bet that if it's cool and something their parents don't understand, kids will be into it. With computers they're no different. In this chapter we'll look at some of the computer things kids rave about. We'll have a look at the Internet, multimedia, mp3 music, computer games, and computer viruses. So let's get into it.

WHAT IS THE INTERNET?

I was watching TV with Bill, a close friend of mine, just over 40 years my senior. A flashy ad bounced off the TV at us, advocating the benefits of a notable computer product, explaining that with its use we could 'surf the net' faster, do everything faster, have a happier life, turn water into wine... etc, etc. I turned to Bill and asked him, "Bill do you know what the Internet is and what it means to 'surf the net'?" His reply was as I suspected, "No," he quietly muttered. The advertising agency had targeted the computer literate, assuming only they would be interested in 'surfing the net.' My studious friend Bill would undoubtedly benefit from the Internet, if only someone took the time to explain it to him. Instead the world goes its merry way, and like a blind bull in a china shop, if you don't keep up or keep clear you become a permanent floor furnishing!