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 ISP Internet

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 Your computer Landline ISP Internet

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 Browser

A web-based program that displays the Internet Common 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