About the Internet

This section describes connecting to and using the Internet, including how to use a Web browser and electronic mail (e-mail).

Use the Internet to search for information or services on the Web, or to retrieve, read, or send e-mail messages.

The Internet is a group of computers that communicate with each other through telephone lines, digital services, or cable lines. Each Internet computer is independent, and its operators choose which files to make available to users of the Internet. To connect your computer to the Internet and use the information and services available there, you need an Internet Service Provider (ISP).

ISPs are businesses that give you access to the Internet, and most of them provide e-mail service. ISPs usually charge a monthly fee for their services. When your computer connects to the Internet, it is actually communicating with the Internet computer belonging to the ISP. The ISP verifies your account, and then provides you access to the Internet. You use a Web browser program to search for and display Web site information. Some ISPs allow you to choose a browser program, while others provide their own browser.

Your connection to an ISP may be through a traditional telephone dial-up modem, local area network (LAN), cable modem, digital subscriber line (DSL), or asymmetric digital subscriber line (ADSL). (DSL, ADSL, and cable ISPs are not available in all countries/regions.)

The World Wide Web (WWW), also called the Web, is a public part of the Internet used by individuals, companies, governments, and organizations. These individuals and groups have created millions of Web sites in support of their activities. A Web site consists of one or more Web pages. A Web page is a file or group of files that a user can access by entering the file location, or Uniform Resource Locator (URL).

The URL identifies a Web site location, typically in the form http://www.name.extension (for example, http://www.hp.com). The URL may include the path to a specific file within that site. Each period, or dot, in the URL separates elements within the address. For example, you will see the URL extension .com used by companies. When you enter the URL into your browser address box and press the Enter key on your keyboard, the browser contacts that location and opens the Web page for you.

Imagine that you are reading a newspaper. On page 1, you may read something like “For more details, see page 3, column 2.” You turn the page for more information. A hyperlink on a Web page works the same way, except that you move to the new page by clicking the hyperlink. The way that a hyperlink links files together is what gives the Web its name, because the Web weaves together and connects ideas from all over the world.

Your e-mail address identifies the electronic post office box where people can send you electronic mail. E-mail addresses have the form name@domain.extension. The domain is usually the name of the ISP or organization. The extension usually identifies the type of organization. For example, if your name is Jane Jones, and XYZ is your ISP, your e-mail address might be JaneJones@xyz.com, with the extension .com indicating that XYZ is a company. For information on using e-mail, see “Sending and Receiving E-Mail.”

Introducing Your Computer Software 73