The internet and its function

The Internet

What is the Internet? A world-wide network of computers

allows people to share information electronically

Like a BIG book with many web-pages on different topics

Can be accessed anywhere with an Internet connection

Why use the Internet? Apply for jobs or schools Fill out government forms Check bank accounts Communicate with family,

friends and co-workers Do research Learn new skills Read news Watch videos

What is an Internet Service Provider?

A company that provides Internet access for customers (examples: Comcast, Qwest, AOL)

Your computer connects to the Internet Service Provider (ISP), then to the Internet

Your computer InternetISP

How to connect to the Internet

Three main ways to connect to the Internet

Dial-Up High Speed/DSL Wireless Connection (Wi-Fi)

Dial-Up Internet Connection Dial-Up

All you need is a computer, phone-line and Internet Service Provider! (ISP)

Not as fast as other Internet connections, but often more affordable

ISP InternetYour computer Landline

High Speed (Cable/DSL) Internet Connection

Travels through fiber-optic cables underground

Needs to be connected by a Modem to your computer–Modem: A hub that connects the

computer to the Internet Faster than Dial-up

Wireless Internet Connection (Wi-Fi)

Your computer must be a “Wireless enabled” device

Your computer can pick up signals from different wireless networks

Some networks require passwords or a subscription, others are free

This is what the wireless symbol would look like if your computer was connected

Web BrowserA web-based program that displays the

InternetCommon Web Browsers

Safari: for Apples/Macintosh

Internet Explorer: for Windows only

Other Web Browsers Google Chrome: created by Google

Mozilla Firefox: works on Mac & PC