In order to use health apps, patient portals, support groups, and other electronic health services, it is important to have a basic understanding of computer literacy. We will help you break down each aspect to help you better understand the use of the computer.
Internet service providers:
The internet service provider is the company that provides you access to the internet. This service usually requires a monthly fee for the services. Some of these companies include Comcast, CenturyLink, Xfinity, and many more
Modem:
This is the device that provides the internet. The internet service provider connects to the modem through the telephone line. The modem is the device that is essential to connect to internet.
Router:
The router’s main goal is to protect you from possible threats and malware which can affect your devices. The router allows many devices to connect to the same network. This is not the device that is providing internet connection.
Web browsers:
Web browsers are the applications on the computer used to access websites. Some examples of these are Internet explorer, Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, and Apple Safari. In order to access websites, you must first open one of these applications then you will be able to search the world wide web.
The cloud:
The cloud is a way to save files and have the ability to access the information anywhere.
Username/Password:
In order to utilize almost any health app, patient portal, personal health records, and even applications such as social media, you need to have a username and password. You will not be able to access any of this information unless you log in using a username and password. The username is what the site recognizes you as. In most cases it will be your email address, other times the website will allow you to make a username. The password is whatever you choose it to be. It is better to create more complex passwords to prevent others from stealing it. Passwords usually require an uppercase and lowercase letter, numbers and some require a character such as a *, -, !, etc. The password should not be shared with anyone and if you fear you may forget it, it may be written down where you can refer back to it.
- TechTerms. (2019). Retrieved from Techterms.com
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