The InternetThe Internet

What is the Internet?What is the Internet?

A world-wide network of computers A world-wide network of computers allows people to share information allows people to share information electronicallyelectronically

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

Can be accessed anywhere with an Can be accessed anywhere with an Internet connectionInternet connection

Why use the Internet?Why use the Internet?

Apply for jobs or schoolsApply for jobs or schools Fill out government formsFill out government forms Check bank accountsCheck bank accounts Communicate with family, Communicate with family,

friends and co-workersfriends and co-workers Do researchDo research Learn new skillsLearn new skills Read newsRead news Watch videosWatch videos

What is an Internet Service What is an Internet Service Provider?Provider?

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

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

Your computer InternetISP

How to connect to the How to connect to the InternetInternet

Three main ways to connect to the Three main ways to connect to the InternetInternet

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

Dial-Up Internet ConnectionDial-Up Internet Connection Dial-UpDial-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

ISPInternet

Your computer Landline

High Speed (Cable/DSL) Internet High Speed (Cable/DSL) Internet ConnectionConnection

Travels through fiber-optic cables Travels through fiber-optic cables undergroundunderground

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

computer to the Internetcomputer to the Internet Faster than Dial-upFaster than Dial-up

Wireless Internet Connection (Wi-Fi)

Your computer must be Your computer must be a “Wireless enabled” a “Wireless enabled” devicedevice

Your computer can pick Your computer can pick up signals from up signals from different wireless different wireless networksnetworks

Some networks require Some networks require passwords or a passwords or a subscription, others are subscription, others are freefree

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

Web BrowserWeb BrowserA web-based program that displays the A web-based program that displays the

InternetInternet

Common Web BrowsersCommon Web Browsers

Safari: for Apples/MacintoshSafari: for Apples/Macintosh

Internet Explorer: for Windows onlyInternet Explorer: for Windows only

Other Web BrowsersOther Web Browsers

Google Chrome: created by GoogleGoogle Chrome: created by Google

Mozilla Firefox: works on Mac & PCMozilla Firefox: works on Mac & PC