1. The Internet

2. 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

3. 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

4. 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

5. 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)

6. 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

7. 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

8. 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

9. Web Browser A web-based program that displays the Internet
Common Web Browsers
Safari: for Apples/Macintosh
Internet Explorer: for Windows only

10. Other Web Browsers Google Chrome: created by Google
Mozilla Firefox: works on Mac & PC