Internet and WWW Information

"The Internet" is the catch-all term used to describe the massive world-wide network of computers used for communication. The word internet literally means "network of networks." In itself, the Internet is comprised of thousands of smaller regional networks scattered throughout the globe. On any given day, the Internet connects roughly 20 million users in over 50 countries. 

Having access to the Internet usually means that one has access to a number of basic services: 

• Electronic mail 
• Interactive conferences ("chats")
• Access to information resources 
• Network news 
• File transfer 

Although many people use the terms "World Wide Web" and "Internet" interchangeably, they are not the same thing.  The Internet is the network of computers that makes electronic mail, the World Wide Web, and other forms of online communication possible; it is a physical entity. The World Wide Web is the "global information repository" that can be found online ( Wired Style, 1996). It has become the most widely used component of the Internet.  

Documents on the World Wide Web are written in hypertext, which is a system of coding text that can create links between electronic documents. It is possible to move back and forth between documents by clicking on hyperlinks with your computer's mouse.  The Web is a multimedia environment that gives users access to pictures, audio files, and even movies.

For additional Internet and WWW information, check out the following Web sites: 

• Beginners Central
• Big Dummy's Guide to the Internet
• Galaxy Internet Navigation Aids
• ICYouSee
• John December's Internet Guide
• Learning the Net: An Internet Guide and Tutorial
• NetLingo: The Internet Language Dictionary
• Selecting Internet Service Providers