Turn off your computer for one week and you realize how difficult it is to live without the internet. Gone are the days of waiting in line at the post office or bank, searching through thick phone books, relying on encyclopedias for current materials, and paying bills with checks and stamps. The internet has opened doors to the way people communicate, shop, retrieve information, and stay informed. Here are a few ways the Internet makes things a little easier:
• Want to keep in touch with old friends, colleagues, and family located in multiple and sometimes faraway locations? Consider using email, Facebook, Twitter, and other social media sites to instantly send messages and pictures.
• Why wait in line at the bank? Online banking makes it possible for customers to transfer funds, pay bills, check balances, and schedule loan payments.
• Looking for a phone number or address? Quickly access the white and yellow pages online and using a search engine immediately obtain the information you are looking for.
• Need to know the local weather conditions, airport closures, or traffic situations? The internet gives you access to this and much more with up to the minute weather and news.
• Staying up late to do homework and discover you need additional references for a paper? Using any number of search engines of the internet can gain you access to online encyclopedias, ebooks, reference matters, and articles on limitless topics.
• Want to learn something new? The internet gives you access to online degrees, elearning, training, and webinars.
• Tired of getting lost and having to ask for directions? Online sites such as MapQuest give you step by step directions from any location directly to your destination.
• Need a job that is flexible for your living situation? The internet makes it possible for teleworking opportunities from your very own home.
Take a moment to think, what has the internet done for you lately?