From inland Australia

Question

Hello,
I know nothing about computers, but I'm afraid I've done something major to mine, because all sorts of useful things I used to have on it have simply vanished.
Background:
1. the computer is a Mac OS X (Version 10.5.8); the Safari version is 5.0.6.
2. I made the mistake of borrowing a book from our local library called something like "Macs for Dummies". What a mistake, as I ended up trying all sorts of doubtful tricks!
So, my major concerns are as follows:
1. trying to upload, say, an Internet site on "parrots" simply doesn't work. The text is OK, but no images appear. (I was advised by a neighbour to ensure that Java and Javascript in Safari/Preferences/Security were enabled. This I did, but to no avail.)
2.  The same applies to our local Internet weather channel (important for us). Text is fine, but no graphics.
3. On Safari's front page, there was a useful little arrow which took me back from the email I was reading to the complete mail-box page. For some unknown reason, the arrow has completely disappeared, and the box where it used to be now says "Select" when the mouse hovers over it. Odd!
4. The cog wheel in the top right corner of the Safari pages has completely disappeared. In its place, if I click once in a blank area just to the right of my name, I get a few options: Mail settiings, Mail help and Labs.
5. Finally, I'm afraid I don't know what else has been lost from my Mac/Safari since I embarked on this crazy quest for knowledge.
Maybe there's more missing than what I've listed above. I just can't remember, so annoyed am I with myself. However, if anyone can please help me, I would be so very grateful.
With thanks, in hopeful expectation.

Answer 1

Numbers 3 and 4, if they are still a problem, sound like you are using Safari to check your email. There is a very competent Mail program, separate from Safrai, that can do this task more effectively.
However, setting it up the first time is difficult unless your Internet Service Provider has given you a "cheat sheet" that shows what goes in each blank in the set-up screens. Sometimes their so-called "Help" pages will have recipes you can follow.