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November 12, 2010

What can the Internet do for me?

Dear CNET members,

Happy Friday! This week's topic is from Ruth, who wants to know what the Internet can do for her: how can she learn more about how to use the Internet--from viewing TV programs to phone services? The easy answer to the question is: the options are endless. It's probably best put by LostValley, "What do you want the Internet to do for you?" As you read through our member answers, you'll see there are tons of options, and the basics such as a VoIP phone service (like Skype) and streaming TV are just the beginning. It all boils down to how far you want to take it. A good example of how extensive and complex you can go with it is to take a look at what pandrew3 set up at his home; it's pretty impressive and you can bet there is plenty more available beyond that. So read through the advice our members have to offer, and I'm sure you'll have a good sense of what's available. Thank you all for your contributions and have a splendid weekend!

By the way, for those who want to learn how to stream TV shows, movies, and music from the Internet: we have some upcoming CNET Ask the Editors Live on that subject. They will take place on Tuesdays from 9:30-10:30 a.m. PT (12:30-1:30 ET), so join us and bring your questions. Here are the scheduled events:

    · 11/16: Roku vs. Apple TV

    · 11/23: Boxee

    · 11/30: PC-to-TV solutions

    · 12/07: Internet-ready game consoles

    · 12/14: Internet-ready Blu-ray players

Cheers!
- Lee

Got suggestions? Send me an e-mail: messageboards@cnet.com

Lee Koo
CNET Community manager

Last week's question

What can the Internet do for me?

I suspect a lot of us less "with it" techies would like to understand more about how to use the Internet--to watch television (on our TVs) and use our telephones more economically via the Web, and other things. I use Skype for calls, but I am puzzled by the other potential offerings and wonder when I can dump my land line, kill the cable (for TV), and even watch European shows. Also what more can I get out of the Internet and maximize use of it to the fullest potential to my advantage. Any hints, suggestions, directions, etc., would be very useful. Or is it better to wait a while longer?

-- Submitted by: Ruth M.

Featured member solutions
for last week's question:

"Here are a few suggestions..... "
-- Submitted by: Brawly44

"What it can do for you "
-- Submitted by: pandrew3

"Wild, Wild Web "
-- Submitted by: happy2000usa

"What the internet can do for you... "
-- Submitted by: darrenforster99

"It's a Brave New World "
-- Submitted by: charleswsheets

Read all member contributions

Thanks to all who contributed!

Previous questions and answers

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2. When is it safe to click on "install updates" pop-ups?

3. Buying advice for my final computer: laptop, all-in-one desktop, or what?

4. Windows wants to reinstall updates that have been installed already

5. Is there such a thing as too much computer security?

All previous Community newsletters

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3. I hate Blu-Ray discs and players

4. Laptop buying advice forum: SSD vs traditional hard drives

5. Which is better, Apple iPad or Samsung Galaxy?

More from the security forum

Check out next week's question:

Help! This Web site discloses almost everything about me!

Whoa! I just found out about this Web site: http://www.spokeo.com. It claims to be "not your grandma's phonebook" but it's more like a spy tool. I entered my name and saw all this personal information: photos, my wife's name, and the scariest part--a photo of my house from Google Street View! This is certainly unsettling. Shouldn't this type of site be illegal? It just makes it too easy for misuse. How can I get my information off of here? Are there other sites like this that I should be aware of? Please help me, I'm really freaked out about this!

-- Submitted by: Bryan B.

If you have an answer to this question, click here and click the "reply" to submit your advice, suggestions/opinions, or tips.

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Click here to e-mail us on one of these topics:

· PC troubleshooting
· PC upgrading
· Digital music
· Consumer electronics
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· Internet security
· Digital cameras
· Home audio & video

Need help tech right away? Don't wait for us, post your questions in the CNET forums for all the tech help and how-tos.

Community quick poll
Weigh in on this week poll topic!

Do you currently stream movies or TV shows via the Internet to your TV?

(Please click on button to vote)

Yes (What equipment and service do you use?)

No (Why not? Is something holding you back?)

I'm thinking about it? (What equipment and services are you contemplating?)

What is it? (Click here for a good start)

Vote and discuss it here!

Simple question, simple answer

1. What is malware?

2. Moved to new computer - will I lose iTunes library?

3. How to move files between two external hard drives?

4. Light, point/shoot camera that takes regular batteries

Help your fellow members

1. Should I upgrade my iPhone 3G's firmware?

2. Need help finding a cell phone for the deaf

3. Anyone used Pandora Recovery software?

More from the CNET forums

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