The start page is the web page that comes up when you load your browser (Internet Explorer, Firefox) etc. It often comes set up to your ISP or computer supplier but you can change it to something far more useful.
A simple option is your favourite search engine or directory. A better option is creating your own start page, stored on your own computer, with all your favourite or most-used links. These off-line, personalised home pages are completely private and under your control.
Here's how to do it...
Technical How to...
You can change this page by bringing up the page you want, and selecting
Tools > Internet Options > Home page: Use Current in Internet Explorer, or
Tools > Options > Main> Home page: Use Current in Firefox
The page can be a search engine or a trusted online directory or page with all the major links you need
eg http://www.bcl.com.au/business/default.htm
or a page on your hard drive or intranet that is designed for your needs. For sole operators, your intranet could consist of just a single page stored on your own computer and be expanded later as the need arises.
Suggested content for your start page
- Links to your bank(s) and other financial institutions.
- Links to frequently used government services eg ATO, ASIC, ABN lookup
- Links to forums you monitor or visit
- Links to your website statistics
- Links to suppliers or customers
Creating your local start page
You can create the page in any program that will save as html. That includes MsWord and other word processors, or web development programs. Save the file on your hard drive. You can reopen and edit the file if you want to change or add new links.
Setting your local start page
You set the local page in the same way as you set an online page. Load the page in your browser by selecting File > Open and display the page you have just created. Then:
Tools > Internet Options > Home page: Use Current in Internet Explorer, or
Tools > Options > Main> Home page: Use Current in Firefox
As you use this page more often you can refine and rearrange to suit your own needs.
