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