Classroom using the web

Through the hype -- What is the Internet?

Classroom

[ introduction ]
[ what exactly is the internet? ]
[ why do i need to use the internet? ] 
[ how do i get connected? ]
[ how do i get up and running? ]

[ introduction ]
[ what exactly is the internet? ]
[ why do i need to use the internet? ] 
[ how do i get connected? ]
[ how do i get up and running? ]

[ introduction ]
[ what exactly is the internet? ]
[ why do i need to use the internet? ] 
[ how do i get connected? ]
[ how do i get up and running? ]

[ introduction ]
[ what exactly is the internet? ]
[ why do i need to use the internet? ] 
[ how do i get connected? ]
[ how do i get up and running? ]

[ introduction ]
[ what exactly is the internet? ]
[ why do i need to use the internet? ] 
[ how do i get connected? ]
[ how do i get up and running? ]

Through the hype -- What is the Internet? A Net Newbie's Introduction.

The Net. The Web. The Information Superhighway. Whatever you call it the Internet is arguably the fastest developing technology of recent times. Through it you can find out the latest sports results, watch a sold out concert, search for jobs or find authentic Indian recipes all from your computer and for the cost of a local phone call.

Yeah, I've heard all the hype, but what exactly *is* the Internet?
Loosely speaking the Internet is a way of linking computers together so that people can talk to each other either in 'real time' or by sending messages, and share and view information on websites, amongst other things. Anyone with a computer with the right equipment can view the net and be part of it.

The Internet was developed initially by the US government during the height of the cold war as a way of making sure that lines of communication could be kept open during nuclear attack. Previous to this computers were linked like a chain with one being connected to two others, so if one computer was knocked out by the enemy the whole network stopped working. The Advanced Research Projects Agency (ARPA) came up with a network without a control centre - if one computer was destroyed the information could still flow by going in another direction. this system is the basis of th einternet which we use today.

Why do I need to learn to use the internet anyway?

If none of the things mentioned in the first paragraph appeal to you, then perhaps this will inspire you: The internet boom is such that by the year 2002 it is predicted that more than 490,000,000 people will be using the net worldwide. The Internet is, therefore, an amazing resource for youth workers - whether to get in touch with other groups, publicise your own work, or keep in touch with people you work with. It is potentially cheaper than other kinds of publicity, and done well can have great impact. Through a website you can also keep in touch with current volunteers and group members across the country, or even across th world without the delay (or expense) of the postal service.

Key Point:

The Internet can also be used as a fast and cheap way of getting up-to-date information from other groups and sources. Whether you need information on funding opportunities, host countries or even the next train out of your home town, the internet can help you.

Okay, you've convinced me. How do I get connected?

Shopping List:
The absolute bare essentials you need for getting onto the Internet are:- A computer, a modem and telephone line, an Internet Service Provider, and some basic software. No idea waht we're talking about? Well fear not, and keep reading.

A computer
PC or Mac - although now it is becoming more possible for you to access the net through mobile telephones, games consoles such as the Playstation 2, etc.

A modem and telephone line
A modem is a piece of equipment which connects your computer to the internet through the phone line. New computers usually come with internal modems, but if you need to get one, an external modem is easier to fit. if you work in a larger organisaion with a network, the chances are your computer will access the Internet through a network and you won't need a modem attached to your PC

An Internet Service Provider or ISP
ISPs are the companies which connect you to the inernet through their telephone lines. When you log into the Internet your modem connects to your ISP through the phone line and then they connect you to the Internet through their (larger and much faster) modem, known as a server. Some ISPs charge you a monthly or yearly subscription fee, whilst other ISPs are free and make their money through advertising and e-commerce. There are many different kinds of ISPs, all offering slightly different things. Standard things that you should get with an ISP account include web access, newsgroup access, and an email account. Extras you might be offered include extra email addresses, web space, or free internet telephone calls.

Try to do some research into which ISPs cover your area and what they offer. Ask friends and colleagues what ISPs they ahve and how good they are. It's worth looking carefully at cost per month in relation to what you get, and there are many companies out there who give trial offers so if you're not sure give them a try (just make sure to let them know if you don't wish to continue subscribing or they'll charge you!).

Also, watch out for hidden costs with free ISPs - the cost of your account may be free but if you want to talk to technical support you might have to pay several £/DMs/Francs/ etc. a minute, which suddenly isn't such a good deal. Whilst it is worth doing the research before you sign up with an ISP, don't panic if after everything you decide your ISP is not for you, you can always change later on (although it's less hassle if you do the research first!)

Key Point:

When you are using the internet you pay for the cost of the phone call which your modem is making. Even if you sign up with a free ISP you will still have to pay for these calls (which will come on your ordinary bill). Look carefully at where the number is based (the area code). If you are dialling a non-local number then the phone charges are going to be very high, so watch out! if you think your organisation will be using the net a lot then you will probably need to budget for the many hours of phone charges you will get. It might be worth considering getting another kind of connection. Check out our tutorial covering different kinds of internet connections

Try to keep a check that you are disconnecting properly when you finish using the internet. Look at the bottom right hand side of your taskbar (by where the clock is). If you are online you will see a small flashing green light. To disconnect click on this icon and disconnect when the dialogue box comes up. Even if you close Internet Explorer or any other Internet programmes, you can still be online and racking up your phone bill. Checking you are off line now will save heartbreak when the phone bill comes.

Software
Software which will allow you to dial up to your ISP and connect to the internet. There are two different kinds of software: software which will allow your computer to "dial-up" your ISP (which will probably have come with your modem so check your documentation), and application software such as our web browser (Internet Explorer or Netscape) or email or newsgroup package for example.

Handy Hint:

It is likely that when you sign up for an ISP you will get a free CD or disk giving you the application software you need. If not, it is easy to download what you need from the Internet (assuming you have your browser software!) or check out the cover CDs on computer magazines in your local newsagents as they usually have useful programmes on them which you can install and use for free.

Okay, I've got everything I need. How do I get up and running?

Assuming you have gotten everything you need and are raring to start surfing, then congratulations, you're almost there! Generally speaking the CD your ISP has given you will start off quite happily - insert the CD and run it by going to Start < Run < and using the "browse" command to select your CD Rom drive - and then follow the onscreen prompts. This will install everything you need to get up and running on the internet.

And now you're ready for the next tutorial!
You've got Mail -- Getting to grips with email.