Aimup - Internet basics

Internet basics

WHAT IS THE INTERNET?

The Internet started as a result of a research product developed by the US Department of Defence who were looking for reliable way of communicating during a nuclear war. Its potential was quickly realised and developed by academic communities around the world.

Since the arrival of the user friendly World Wide Web (www) in 1991, the Internet has become one of the most used devices for research and communication.

Today the Internet or World Wide Web is:

A global network of networks
The repository of a vast mass of information
A system of communicating with people, computers and services the world over
An agreement on standards

WHAT DOES THE WWW ACTUALLY DO

Utilising a unified interface and a standard protocol known as hypertext transfer protocol (http), the www is a system which allows text, graphics, sounds, animations and movies to be shared between and displayed on computers on the internet.

You can access information and resources by locating web sites, each web site has a unique address known as a uniform resource locator (URL).

CONNECTING TO THE INTERNET

You need:

A reasonably up-to-date computer running:
- Internet browser software such as Internet Explorer or Netscape Navigator
- Software such as Outlook Express or Eudora for sending and receiving e-mail.
An Internet Service Provider (ISP) providing access to the www and other services
A modem, ISDN or ADSL adapter and a connection to the internet for sending and receiving information (usually connections are via a phone line or via a local cable service).

.COM OR .CO.UK?

To access a site, you have to know the address or URL of that site.
.co.uk or .com are among the most common endings to web site addresses.

Other extensions include:

.net - for a Network
.org - for an organisation (often a Government or public resource)
.mil - for US Military
.au - for an Australian Site
.de - for a German Site

WHAT IS ON THE INTERNET

Lots of information about anything and everything from aardvarks to zebras, from Australia to Zambia, from algebra to zymurgy. There is something for everyone including news, sport, games and entertainment.

The internet also provides a number of popular services including:

E-Mail (Electronic Mail)
Newsgroups
Forums and chat Rooms

E-Mail
E-mail is all about sending and receiving messages. It is the postal system of the Internet allowing you to exchange messages with one or many recipients.

E-mail uses html language and also allows for attachments including work files, sound, video and graphics files.

BEWARE

There are a few dangers and a few things to look out for when using the internet:

Viruses
The danger from viruses can be exaggerated, but is very real. Viruses are received:

Via email from unknown sources and often within attachments
On floppy disks, CDs, zip disks and other portable media.

You should make sure you have an up-to-date anti-virus program installed and running at all times.

Watch out for viruses via your e-mail and delete anything suspicious without opening it.

Hoax e-mails
As well as viruses there are many hoax emails. For example, you may receive a message asking you to do something really stupid, such as delete all your files, or to forward a 'Virus Warning' to other users.

Hackers
Hackers usually target companies and larger organisations, but could also target you to find out about you and your internet behaviour. They are usually after information such as passwords, ID numbers and credit card details.

Barriers against hackers include FIREWALLS and are used by all service providers to help ensure your privacy.

In addition to service provider barriers you can add your own firewall in the form of hardware for networks or desktop software for individual computers.

Other precautions you can take include:

Limiting access to certain folders on your computer
Adding passwords to documents
Disconnecting from the internet when you do not need to be on-line
Minimising the amount of personal information held on your computer
Minimising the number of times you give personal information whilst on line.

Dangerous Applets
Applets are usually written in ActiveX or Java. You may be told to a download an "applet" to provide extra functions to your browser.

Occasionally small "junk files" disguised as applets can be embedded in a website. Your computer, not knowing the difference, allows the download without you knowing.

Minimise allowable downloads by adjusting your browser preferences.

Spamming
Spamming happens when somebody sends an email to a large number of people without their permission. This can involve you receiving hundreds of identical messages.

If this starts happening to you then you may need to block off mail from the offending source. Look up in your mail software documentation how to set block mail. (In Outlook Express (PC) you do this by selecting 'Block Sender' from the 'Message' menu option).

Subscriptions and Payments
Be careful what you buy and subscribe to! Although most e-commerce is now very secure and reliable, there are (and always will be) rogue services.

Try to use only recognised and established companies
Always check that you are using a 'secure server'
Consider the purchase options - look for delivery charges, time taken to deliver, guarantees and service

The Phone Bill
If you are using a modem and a dial up account via an ISP, be aware how the hours pass whilst you are on the internet - you could get a shock when you receive your phone bill.

To minimise your potential phone bill, shop around for an ISP that offers a package of free minutes per month. Using the internet at 'off-peak' times such as evenings and weekends can be cheaper.