Click on Hyperlinks to Visit Another Web Page
Look for words and phrases on the web page that are blue and underlined.
Read the following sentence that we have placed in quotes and take note of the word or phrase that is different from all of the other text around it: "After you learn this lesson on clicking a hyperlink, we recommend you read our article on using the Back Button."
You will notice that the word 'Back Button' sticks out from the rest of the text because the text is blue and it is underlined. This blue and underlined text is called a hyperlink. Now, move your cursor over the hyperlink. Did you notice that the words become highlighted in blue, while the text changes to white? If not, move your mouse over it more slowly and stop when the words become highlighted. Notice that the cursor you control with your mouse has changed into a hand with the index finger pointed out over the highlighted text.
All of these signs (blue text, underline, highlight, and index finger) are used to let you know a hyperlink exists. You use a hyperlink, by left-clicking on it, to visit a new web page. The new web page will discuss more detail about the word, phrase, or topic that is hyperlinked. Now is a good time to become more comfortable using hyperlinks. Test out your skill by visiting our next article about the Back Button. The Back Button web page will explain how you return to this web page so you can learn some final tips on using hyperlinks.
Not all Hyperlinks are Blue Links
Most web sites use blue text to signal a hyperlink exists. Some sites will make hyperlinks more obvious, like we have done, by underlining the text and making it become highlighted when you move your cursor over it with your mouse. However, don't be surprised when you come across a web site that uses colors other than blue. Some use multiple colors to provide some color variation. The one way to confirm that a word or phrase is a hyperlink to another web page is to move your cursor over the potential hyperlink. If you see the cursor change into a hand with a pointed index finger, it confirms that it is a hyperlink.
Pictures and Images can also be Hyperlinked
You will often notice the cursor changes into a hand with pointed index finger when you move it over a picture or image. This too is a hyperlink. It may open a web page that has a larger image of the same picture or provide more information about the image.
For example, when you visit our shopping web pages, you will see images of popular store banners. Clicking on the banner will open the web page for that retailer in a new web browser window. If you read our lesson on the Back Button, which we recommended earlier in this article, you will know the difference between opening a 'new' web browser window, which will occur when you click on the Wal-Mart image, and opening a new web page in the 'current' web browser window. If you do not know the difference, be sure to visit it now. Otherwise, go ahead and practice clicking on the Walmart banner we have placed next to this paragraph.
That ends this lesson on using hyperlinks. Now you know to keep your eyes open for hyperlinks when you visit web pages. If you run into any trouble using hyperlinks, you can always come back to this article by using our 'Quick Access for Beginners' drop-down list in the right column of each page. The drop-down list provides a link to all of the Beginners Lessons. Javascript required.
More Lessons on Internet Help for Beginners
See also Internet Security for Beginners and Email for Beginners
- Lesson 1: Computer Mouse - How to use it and when to push the buttons
- Current : Hyperlinks - How to open a new web page
- Lesson 3: Back Button - How to return to the previous web page
- Lesson 4: Windows - How to manage windows on your screen
- Lesson 5: Web Browser - What are Internet Explorer, Firefox & Safari?
- Lesson 6: Address Bar - How to enter a web address
- Lesson 7: Web Page vs. Web Site - Learn the difference between the two
- Lesson 8: Menu Bar - Access to everything you need
- Lesson 9: Bookmark Favorites - Save your favorite web sites
- Lesson 10: Drop-Down-Lists - How to make selections on web sites
- Lesson 11: Javascript - Why some web sites do not work for you
- Lesson 12: Web-Accessibility - Problems reading web sites
Help Others & Good Luck
Our goal is to make you comfortable using the ever expanding internet. We especially want to reach out to online beginners and let them know it is not too late to get started. As more services, especially free ones, move online, we believe it is important that everyone learn the basics for navigating the internet. Think of a family member or friend who may find this web site helpful and forward it to them today. We wish you Good Luck and an Enjoyable Journey on the Internet.
ShopWithTrust.com also provides easy access to trusted retailers. We keep things simple for you by only listing stores with a long history of name recognition. We would like to be your one stop source for online shopping with stores like Macy's, Target, Walmart, and Best Buy. Thank You and Best Wishes.
