Internet.... WWW..... http:// .... it seems to be everywhere. The Internet is THE hot topic these days. So what is it? It is a huge network of computers linked by a "web" of 24-hour telephone lines that spans the globe and allows us to be connected in ways never before experienced on this planet. Take a look at "A Brief History of the Internet" at http://members.magnet.at/dmayr/history.htm
Providing Internet access to the world has become a big business. Taking a look at the lists of access providers that are listed on the web is an education in itself. How you access the web is matter of choice. Factors to consider are the monthly charge in relation to the time you have to use (unlimited use with a monthly, charge has become the standard). Take a look at a few of these sites and see how your access compares!
The numbers are phone codes, not numbers related to the number of providers listed.
These community-service based
"bulletin boards" can be treasure
troves of information. They are,
however, text-based and you need to take care to note the login you are to use and to read each screen so you know what you are to do next. You may
wish to take a look at a few from this page to get an idea of this Internet
resource:
Web Browsers: Which is the "best” one?
Here lies the debate of the
century! No matter what one you use (Netscape or Internet Explorer [IE]),
you should know the choices and why. Currently, the inclusion of
"Internet Explorer" with Windows98 is subject to litigation. The issue
is the degree to which that browser works with the computer's operating system
and if this really
means less choice for the user. Like the "Which is
better: Macintosh or PC?" argument, this one can rage forever. And one
must remember that these two are the leaders and there are other browsers out
there from before these two (Mosaic) and others after (Opera). Feel
free to explore these sites which state opinions and
look at the end of this
posting for a discussion question.
So what difference does it make? Please be ready to discuss this
question in class,.
telling us what browser you use and why! Again,
there are no wrong answers here! There are, however, some things to
consider. Please share your thoughts by posting a message on this "hot
topic."
HOMEWORK: Read about the Top 10 Internet Collaborative Tools found at: