The document discusses the basics of the internet, including that it is a worldwide network that allows people to share information electronically. It can be accessed from anywhere with an internet connection. The document also outlines common reasons for using the internet, such as communicating with others, doing research, and reading news. It describes how internet service providers provide access and the main connection types, including dial-up, high-speed, and wireless. Web browsers like Safari, Internet Explorer, Google Chrome, and Mozilla Firefox are used to display and access websites on the internet.

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: Comcast, Qwest, AOL)
 Your computer connects to the Internet
Service Provider (ISP), then to the Internet
Your computer InternetISP

5. How to connect to the Internet
 Three main ways to connect to the
Internet
 Dial-Up
 High Speed/DSL
 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
ISP
Internet
Your computer Landline

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