1. The Internet From the St. Paul Public Library

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: Comcast, Century Link, AOL)  Your computer connects to the Internet Service Provider (ISP), then to the Internet Your computerInternetISP

5. How to connect to the Internet Three main ways to connect to the Internet  Dial-Up  High Speed Internet : DSL or Cable  Wireless Connection (Wi-Fi)

6. 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 ISPInternetYour computer Landline

7. DSL Cable High Speed (Cable or DSL) Internet Connection  Uses the phone line to connect to the Internet  Similar to dial-up, but is faster and leaves the phone line open  Uses your cable service to connect to the internet Both need to be connected by a Modem to your computer, either a DSL or Cable Modem: A hub that connects the computer to the Internet High Speed connection is also called “Broadband”

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