How to shop on the Internet

Related Topics:| E-biz Advice | E-commerce |

How to shop on the Internet?

If you want to shop on the Internet, you must have a computer which is capable of running Microsoft's Internet Explorer 5.0 and Netscape Communicator 4.7. These latest browsers have more security functions and are engineered with Internet shopping in mind. They support 128-bit data encryption, which protects your personal information and thus provide a secure platform to perform Internet transactions.

If you use either of the above browsers, your shopping information can be encrypted and will remain private and confidential. Your personal data can only be seen by you and the online merchant on the other end.

You will also need a Pentium computer with at least 32MB RAM and Internet access. If you are using a 28.8kbps modem or less, you might have to adopt a shop-wait-wait-wait-shop tempo. Using a 28.8kbps dial-up modem is just too slow for some of these sites which are pretty rich in content, graphics and some even have sample sound clips. The best bet is to have at least a 33.6kbps modem.

If you are shopping on the Internet for the first time, try to shop with reputable companies. Check for the online merchant's physical address, phone number, email of fax. If it is a local site and you are not so sure whether it is legitimate, give a call. At least you know who to speak to in case something goes wrong. Ask about the site's refund policy and delivery. The online merchant's ability to handle your questions will reflect their professionalism and reputation.

Never transmit confidential information, especially your credit card information via email or in an unsecured environment. Emails are not protected by encryption and this makes them vulnerable to being intercepted by hackers.

If you have to disclose your personal information like address and credit card number, always check that you see a little lock symbol at the bottom of your browser and that the URL starts with a 'https' instead of the normal 'http' as the 's' in 'https' stands for secured, before you submit your form.

Some merchants have added security features which include a security seal like RSACi or Recreational Software Advisory Council on the Internet ( www.rsac.org) and ePublic Intelligence, Inc. Public Eye (www.epublicworld.com) rating. Both are independent third parties that rate online merchants for reliability, privacy and customer satisfaction.

If you want to know more information about electronic commerce, on how to set up an e-commerce shop, advice on which systems to use, glossary of e-commerce terms, etc., click HERE

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