You can find anything on the Internet! This statement is an assumption usually made about computer related information. From personal Web sites created by teenagers, to those by large computing companies such as IBM, Dell, or Microsoft, all purport to have something to offer, and all want world-wide visibility. Software, hardware, services that are free as well as those costing thousands of dollars are advertised on the Internet. New technologies come and go on a daily basis. Big and old are not always the best. Innovative and up-to-date are the names of the game.
It is often thought that large, long-standing businesses produce better products and more reliable services, and that the best things come with higher prices. This is not always true with computers. Young, small companies have proven they are capable of taking the lead in the computer environment. Such companies may offer better products and cutting edge services. They may update faster to fill users' needs and may offer products for free or beneath market value in order to attract more customers. There are no simple rules in the ever-changing environment of computing. Even hacking (a practice whereby unauthorized users break into a computer system) has important technical value which can benefit computer security research. It is important to keep an open mind when dealing with information found on and related to computers.
COMPUTER PRODUCT REVIEWS/SERVICES/INFORMATION
Computer magazines are good sources for computer product reviews, new products/services, and general technical knowledge. Most computer magazines have their own Web site. Some titles have been around for years: PC Magazine, PC World, PC Today.
Web sites of big computer companies such as IBM, Microsoft, Dell, Gateway, Hewlett Packard, Oracle, Sun Microsystems, Cisco Systems, Intel, have become major sources of computer information. They are the authoritative source of technical support for their products.
Online vendors are good sources for computer product information. A viable online vendor will not only list product name, model, and price, it will also provide product specifications that help in making informed decisions. PC connection and CDW are two sites to start with.
Online search engines like zdnet, CNet specialize in providing computer related information to the public. Most information on those sites is free, and often includes product promotions. Sites such as Tucows offer various types of software for a variety of operating systems.
CERTIFICATION PROGRAMS
Certification is not only for seeking employment or promotion, it is also a great way to update one's IT knowledge and keep up with current developments. There are many sites dedicated to this purpose, such as CERTguide, Certify Express, FreePractice TechTutorials just to name a few.
EMPLOYMENT
The Internet has created fast, direct, two-way communication between employers and prospective employees. Some well known online job banks and resume databases include: Dice.com, CareerShop.com. It's possible to locate others using search terms such as, "computer" or "technology" in big search engines such as Yahoo, or Lycos.
COMPUTING HISTORY
IEEE Annals of the History of Computing
People and Pioneers
National Museum of American History--Division of Computers, Information & Society
The Virtual Museum of Computing (VMoC)
University of Virginia--Computer Museum
Software History Center
RADM Grace Murray Hopper USN
PBS: Triumph of the Nerds
Computing History links contributed by Prof. E. K. Hawthorne, Assistant Professor, Computer Science, Union County College