What is the Internet?

The Internet is a worldwide network, linking computers to computers. Each computer runs software to provide or ‘serve’ information, or to access and view information. The Internet transports the information — like a giant plumbing system.

Computers on the Internet can use:

l         electronic mail (email). This allows you to send and receive mail with other computer users.

l         the World Wide Web (WWW). Through the WWW you can view images, look at film clips, hear sound recordings and find information on many interests.

This information is stored on websites.

On the Internet, you can access information stored on other computers, or jump from one page of information to another. Each page has its own address showing its location, just like your home address.

What do you need to use the Internet?

l         A connection to an Internet Service Provider (or ISP). The most commonly used method is across a telephone line with a modem (preferably a fast one).

l         Internet software, e.g. Internet Explorer, provided by your ISP — usually called a ‘browser’.

How does email work?

First, you need an email address. It could look something like this:

Daniel.jones@ozemail.com.au

     If someone sends Daniel an email, the message is received by Daniel’s ISP and waits there till the next time he connects to the Internet. When he connects (that is called logging on) his message is sent down the telephone line to his modem and onto his email program.

     How do you send email?

     It’s a bit like sending a letter. You need to know the email address of the person who’s receiving your letter.

     Type in that person’s email address in the ‘To’ box and type your message. When you’ve finished, click on ‘Send’.

     If someone has already sent you a message, you can just click on ‘Reply’ and type your message. It’s as easy as that.

     Some Internet Codes

     .com  commercial institutions

     .edu  educational institutions

.gov  government institutions

.net  networks

Country Codes

.au  Australia

.jp  Japan

.nz  New Zealand

Email addresses in the USA have no country code, because the Internet originated(起源于) there. For example, the Internet address for Expert Software (made in the USA) is www.expertsoftware.com.

93.   What does ISP stand for(代表)?

94.   WWW can help us look at film clips and find information as well, can’t it?

95.   Where is the information stored?

96.  If your friend sent you an email, what would be the quickest way to send one back?

97.  Why do email addresses in the USA have no country code?

98.  What’s your favourite website? Why?