A Calm Introduction to The Online World

3. The Language Of The Web - Clicks, Links, Tabs And Scrolling

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If you would like to watch the video which accompanies this lesson just click the yellow box and it will take you to YouTube so you can see the video.

Click Here For The Video

You’ve probably heard these words before:


 click, link, tab, scroll…

But maybe no one ever paused to explain them clearly.
 Maybe you’ve nodded along, hoping it would all just make sense one day.

Well, today’s the day.

This lesson will gently walk you through these everyday online actions — in plain English, with examples and reassurance.

1. What Does It Mean to “Click”?

A click is the action you take with your mouse, trackpad, or finger to make something happen.

  • On a mouse: press the left button once

  • On a trackpad: tap with one finger

  • On a tablet/phone: tap the screen lightly

When you “click,” you’re selecting something — like a button, a menu, or a link.

It’s how you say: “Yes, please — show me that.”

2. What’s a Link?

A link is text or a picture you can click on that takes you to another page.

You’ll know it’s a link because:

  • The text is often underlined or a different colour

  • Your mouse turns into a little hand pointer when you hover

     

Links connect one page to another — like a doorway between rooms.

doors linked with link symbol

3. What’s a Tab?

A tab is a separate “page” in your web browser.

Think of them like:

Filing tabs in a folder — each one holds a different paper

In a browser:

  • Each tab can hold a different website

  • You can switch between them without closing anything

  • You open a new one with the “+” sign at the top

This helps you explore without losing your place.

4. What Is Scrolling?

Scrolling means moving the page up or down to see more.

You scroll by:

  • Turning your mouse wheel

  • Sliding two fingers on a trackpad

  • Swiping your finger on a phone or tablet

The page doesn’t change — you’re just moving through it.

✨ Scrolling lets you see content that doesn’t fit on the screen all at once.

(If you missed it, I have a whole post about scrolling [here].)

Why These Words Matter

Knowing these terms helps you:

  • Follow online instructions more easily

  • Understand tutorials and guides (including mine!)

  • Feel less unsure when you see phrases like
     “Click the link in a new tab and scroll down.”

You’re not behind — you’re learning the language. And that’s powerful.

Your Task For Today

Try these four things:

  1. Click on a link in this post

  2. Scroll to the bottom of the page

  3. Open a new tab and visit a favourite website

  4. Close the tab and return to this one

You’ve just used the online world more confidently. That matters.

And Finally...

The web has its own language — but like any language, you don’t need to know everything at once. Just a few words can change how you move.

You’re not just scrolling anymore. You’re navigating.

👉 Next: Lesson 4 – Staying Safe Online: What to Click (And What to Avoid)

Let’s keep going. 

Lesson 2
Lesson Four