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Internet / WWW FAQ

Which computers can I use to access the Internet?

Internet access is available for JCU staff and students from all Computer facilities (PC and MAC labs) and computers in the Library buildings. Remember, you need a computer account login and password to access the Internet. If you need further information, contact InfoHelp.

Can I access the Internet and email while travelling overseas?

Yes, you can visit an Internet cafe or you may know someone with Internet access. Your JCU Webmail can be checked from anywhere, as can other JCU online services like LearnJCU etc. If you have an ISP account, contact your service provider to find out about overseas access.

Which Internet Service Provider should I join up with?

Choosing an ISP provider is probably even more complicated that choosing a mobile phone plan.

There are three basic types of ISP charging plans:

  1. Set hours per month - normally the cheapest but unused hours don't carry over and use above the set hours can be expensive

  2. Blocks of hours - if you are a reasonably heavy but irregular user this may be best, but most plans require the hours to be used up in a set period (often 6 or 12 months)

  3. Unlimited usage - the most expensive and best for those who want to be online long and often, but be aware that you can't actually stay connected 24x7

Always read the fine print before you buy. Two plans that look the same may turn out to be rather different when you read the conditions carefully. And be especially wary of prices that look too good to pass up.

When choosing a plan consider:

  • how many hours will you realistically need in a month/year

  • does the provider have a track record of stability and reliability

  • are there limits to the amount of data you can download and are you likely to exceed these limits

  • what are the charges for exceeding the hours or download allocation allowed by your plan

  • what help is provided, when and at what cost

When I visit the JCU website using my home computer, the pages do not display properly.

It could be that you are using an older version of Firefox or Internet Explorer on your home computer. You can download and install a newer version if necessary.

I've typed the URL correctly, but I keep getting an error message.

Try clicking on "Reload" or "Refresh". Double check the URL for mistakes. What does the error message say? Perhaps the server is temporarily down or the site has moved or no longer exists. Try again later. Ask InfoHelp if you are having a problem.

How do I find something on the web if I don't know the URL?

You can often search specific Web sites, such as the JCU pages. Search engin e s and directories allow you to search the World Wide Web in general, or particular parts of it, such as Australian Web sites. Ask InfoHelp if you are having problems.

What are cookies?

Cookies are little packets of information sent by a web server or website you visit to the web browsing software you are using at the time (eg. Firefox). Your web browser may accept or decline the offer of a cookie. Once accepted, a cookie can be sent back to the website every time you visit. Cookies contain information about the user or registration information for a particular website. Cookies are a bit like dropping biscuit crumbs wherever you've been.

How can I print frames or specific pages from the Web ... I don't want the whole thing?

To print specific pages, select "Print Preview" from the File menu. Scroll through the document to find the numbers of the pages you require. Then select "Print" and enter the page numbers.

Firefox has a Print Frame option if you are viewing a framed screen. Select "Print" from the File menu and set the desired option in the Print Frame section of the Print Dialog window.

How do I print a PDF file from the Web?

Some journal articles and documents on the web are in P ortable D ocument F ormat which allows them to be shared across platforms with the original formatting intact. All GAT Computer facilities (PC and MAC labs) and computers in the Library buildings have Adobe Acrobat Reader which automatically displays PDF files on your screen. You must select the "Print" icon from the Adobe Acrobat toolbar (just above the document) to print. DO NOT use your browser's print button. DO NOT select print from the file menu.

To access PDF documents from your home computer, you will need Adobe Acrobat Reader. You can download the Acrobat Reader for free from the Adobe website. Once you have downloaded the installation file, you can double click on the file to start the installation.

What is a .zip file and how do I open it?

A .zip file has been compressed in size to make it easier and faster to download. For example, data files downloaded from the ABS AusStats site are zipped.

If you are using a GAT Lab computer, right-click on the ZIP file and choose “expand” from the list of available options to unzip the contents of the folder.

You can download Aladdin Expander from the Aladdin website for free to install on your home computer if you do not already have a program such as WinZip.

Can I create my own webpage at JCU?

Yes, if you have a JCU computer account you can create your own webpages. If you are unsure how to do this, see the guide to Creating web pages on the JCU server.

I've heard that I can hook my laptop up to the JCU Network in the library

You can connect to JCUNet in the library using one of two methods:

  • Using a laptop with a network card and ethernet cable;

  • Using a laptop with a wireless card.

Read the How to Guide on Using Laptops at JCU.