This page is part of the "legacy" version of HTCC online. It's here for continuity and reference. This website has been semi-retired since 2009, and is seldom updated. You'll find our new online presence at the HTCC Blog.

The Internet

The World Wide Web

The Web, while it is the largest segment of the Internet, is not the same thing as the Internet. The Web runs on the ubiquitous HTTP protocol, and is a multi-media branch of the Internet.

Basis of the internet

The defining elements of the Internet are packets and routers. Browsers aggregate packets, parse HTML documents (webpages), and present text, image and media content. They provide multi-media access to information from the Web.

Connect to the Internet
Email

Email is one of the original segments of the Internet. There are many places online, including this website, to learn more about email. Learn how to deal with spam and email security threats here too.

About.com has good info that will help you get started with email. "Inside OE Home" covers all aspects of Outlook Express, although you should replace OE (or Windows Mail if you're using Vista) with Windows Live Mail. I prefer Gmail myself. ;-)

Web feeds

RSS, Feeds, Blogs and Podcasts are terms you'll hear more and more about. You most likely use or even create this kind of content already -- maybe without even knowing it. :-)

Web applications
There are many new ways to take advantage of the Internet using only your browser. Webmail, and web-based "Office" applications from Zoho, Google and Microsoft are examples. Google Reader is my favorite feed reader. There are also free online backup and computer synchronizing services, for example the "Live" services from Microsoft. All these applications and services replace programs that you would otherwise need to install on your computer.
Privacy and security online

Cookies (got milk?): Don't forget, not all cookies are bad. In particular, some sites use them to remember you so you don't have to enter your password each time you go there. If you do delete a cookie like that -- no problem -- unless you have forgotten your password. When you give them your password again the cookie will be regenerated. Find more information at: [Junckbusters] [PurgeIE ] [CIAC.org] [more]

Security: There are big black spiders on the wild, wooly World Wide Web. Will they bite you? [more] [email security] [identity theft]

There's a whole lot'ta snoopin' goin' on too.

Related pages
Browsing: A few tips and tricks to make browsing work better. [browsers]
Search: An overview of search, plus a metasearch engine, links to more search engines and links to search help.
Download: Warning -- downloading can become addictive.
Some of my favorite software for the Internet.
Tutorials and more Internet resources.
More on the Web
Internet 101 is a "plain English" website where you can learn all about the Internet.
Refdesk.com has a complete index of guides and tutorials for beginners.
Internet 101: Beginner's Handbook -- at About.com.
Articles about the Internet for beginners.