The Senior Times Online

What is Facebook?
In the Loop
Megan Collahan
If you aren’t already familiar with Facebook, I’m sure that you’ve overheard people toss the word around. I personally can’t get on a bus or step into a classroom without hearing someone mention “facebooking”, and I can bet that if you have teenage children or grandchildren, they know what it is and how to use it. So, what is Facebook?
Historically, a facebook was a publication given to the students at the start of every academic year to help them get to know each other. The Facebook website was launched on February 4, 2004 by former Harvard student Mark Zuckerberg. Inspired by the original paper versions, Facebook began as a social networking website restricted to Harvard students. However, within two months it had expanded to MIT, Boston University, Boston College and all Ivy League schools. Soon, anyone with a university email address was eligible to use Facebook, and since September 11, 2006, it has been open to anyone 13 or older. Today, it has more than 62 million active users worldwide.
In a nutshell, Facebook is a service people use to keep up with more friends than they can check in on one at a time. When you sign up, you see the latest updates from all your Facebook friends at once on the main page. For friends who have a hard time getting hold of each other by phone or instant messaging, or are too busy for lengthy emails and blogging, it’s become a popular way to keep from losing touch with one another.
How to register:
You can access Facebook from any computer connected to the Internet. When you click the green “Sign Up” button, you’re prompted for your email address (which you can keep private), and some personal information (as little or as much as you’re comfortable sharing) so that people can find you. You can then join one or more networks, such as a school, workplace, city, or social group. Once you’ve registered, you can start finding people you know and, if you like, share photos, messages, and more. Here are some of the more commonly used features:
1. If you have friends or family that use Facebook, you can find them easily by typing in their full name in the search box, located on the upper left side of your screen. Once you’ve located someone that you want to stay connected with, you can click “Add to Friends”, which will send the person a friend request.
2. If you have pictures or videos saved on your computer, you can import them into your profile and share them with your Facebook friends.
3. On your personal profile page, you have a “Wall”, a space only your friends will see, where they can leave you messages whenever they want.
Facebook also offers dozens of “Applications” that are extra features you can add to your profile. Some are practical, such as the Event Planner, which allows you to create and organize group activities. Others are just for fun, like the daily horoscope.
More features and help can be found via the “Site Tour” link on the main page: www.facebook.com

Need help with your income tax?
The CLSC René-Cassin offers a free Income Tax Clinic between March 17 and April 10, 2008 to those who:
• Live in Côte-St.-Luc, Hampstead or Snowdon West
• Have yearly income under $20 000
• Need a simple income tax return
Info: 514-488-3673 ext 1496

Adopt Wally

Wally is an affectionate 6-year-old male cat who loves life. His presence will put joy in your home. Wally is taking a supplement to protect his kidneys. Call Animal Rescue Network: 514-938-6215