Print versionUnderstanding the internet
What is the internet?
The internet is a global network of linked computers that are able to communicate through
telephone lines, cables and satellites. Connecting to the internet enables you to transmit and
share information in the form of text, pictures, movies and sound. Anybody can connect to the
internet if they have an internet-ready computer and an account with an internet service
provider.
There is no central ‘home’ for the internet. It has been designed to operate from many
different locations. No organisation or individual owns the internet, but countries can legislate
regarding usage or content.
What services are available on the internet?
Once connected to the internet you can access a variety of activities called internet services.
Internet services change as technology advances. New ways to use the internet are being
discovered on a regular basis. Current popular internet services include:
- Web browsing— – using an internet browser program to search and view web pages. Web
pages can include text, pictures, sound and video. - Email—a service that lets you send a written message to another person via the internet.
The message is stored on a computer and is read when the recipient checks their mail –
just like checking your real mailbox. People using email require an email address, which
identifies them as a unique person online. Internet service providers supply email
addresses to people when they open an internet account. You can also attach and send a
variety of files to accompany your message. - Chat—used to send instant messages to other people on the internet. Messages can be sent
to friends or strangers. Chat rooms are online meeting places where people congregate to
send messages back and forth to each other. - Newsgroups—places on the internet where people can post messages about a topic.
People with similar interests will read the message and post replies. Newsgroups can
either be moderated (where each message is checked over before it is placed on the
internet) or public (where messages are posted automatically).
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