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: VERIZON, TIME WARNER) 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 (not used much anymore) High Speed/CABLE Wireless Connection (Wi-Fi)
Dial-Up Internet Connection All you need is a computer, phone-line and Internet Service Provider! (ISP) Not as fast as other Internet connections, but often more affordable Internet Your computer Landline ISP
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