Internet for Beginners: A Comprehensive Guide to Understanding and Using the Web

Posted on Aug 17, 2024 in Computers

Internet

What is the Internet?

The Internet is a vast network of interconnected computers that communicate with each other. Using a computer at school, home, or work, you can access hundreds of thousands of computers worldwide. With the right software, you can transfer files, connect remotely to computers thousands of miles away, and use electronic mail (email) to send and receive messages.

The FTP protocol allows an Internet user to transfer files from a computer without having an account on it. This means you don’t need to be logged into the network to access certain file types.

The protocol used to locate files available using FTP is called File Transfer Protocol (FTP).

The Gopher protocol is a menu-based system for exploring Internet resources.

To find the addresses of Internet users, the Internet Protocol (IP) system is used.

Another important tool is Veronica (Very Easy Rodent-Oriented Net-Wide Index to Computerized Archives), which helps locate information about files in a vast network. Veronica is a search engine for Gopher space, providing an updated index of header elements and assisting with keyword-based searches.

Background

The Internet originated in the United States during the development of the first computers in the defense field. In the 1970s, the Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) conducted research on computer interconnection and created ARPANET, the precursor to the Internet.

The network’s rapid growth quickly surpassed all expectations, becoming the World Wide Web (WWW) as we know it today. In 1993, the Internet transitioned from a network of government institutions and universities to the world’s largest public network.

Initially, access was limited to universities and research centers. However, today, millions of users connect through services like Prodigy, CompuServe, and various national and international providers.

As the network grew, issues arose regarding protocol standardization, security, privacy, and other concerns. In 1992, the Internet Society (ISOC) was founded to oversee and regulate the network.

The system has two key modules:

• Management Keys
• Potting Security Protocol

In Mexico and several Latin American countries, businesses are emerging, offering assistance with electronic bulletin board systems (BBS). These systems allow users to access various services, such as text files, programs, and message boards, through a computer and modem. Some of these companies offer connections to the international network with local call access.

The World Wide Web

The World Wide Web, also known as the WWW service, is the latest Internet information service. The Web is based on a technology called hypertext.

Most of its development occurred at CERN, the European Laboratory for Particle Physics. However, it would be a mistake to consider the Web solely as a tool designed by and for physicists. While scientists initially developed it, the Web is a flexible tool, arguably the most flexible one for navigating the Internet.

The Web and its tools are constantly evolving, so don’t be surprised if they don’t work as expected. Nevertheless, its applications are valuable, and in the coming years, it will become the dominant method for Internet access.

To use the Web, connect via Telnet to info.cern.ch. This will automatically launch a publicly available client software (known as a browser in Web terminology). This is a text-oriented browser that works in any traditional terminal.

Many browsers are available. If you decide to install one on your system (highly recommended if you plan to use the Web frequently), you can choose the most convenient option from text-oriented browsers for the X Window System and NeXT workstations, as well as Macintosh and PC computers.

Advantages of the WWW

1. Locate and access information on a remote computer.
2. Display text, graphics, or photographic images from a remote computer.
3. Play sounds and video recordings stored on a remote computer.
4. Access information through various online tracking and recovery services.

Using the WWW

The WWW uses a client-server interaction. The user initiates the interaction by launching the MOSAIC program and entering a URL.

The MOSAIC program is a client that uses the Internet to communicate with a remote server and copy the specified URL. The server sends a copy of the page to be displayed on the screen, along with information describing its contents.

The additional information sent by the WWW server to MOSAIC provides two crucial things:

1. A description of how to present the information.
2. A URL for each selected option.

MOSAIC then uses the Internet to retrieve information from the newly selected page. In this way, the MOSAIC client can continuously access relevant information based on the user’s selections by contacting remote servers.

Web Viewer

• HTTP: The protocol used to access documents on the WWW. You may find the word”htt” in a Uniform Resource Locator (URL).
• FTP: File Transfer Protocol.
• HTML: The computer language used to specify the content and format of a hypermedia document on the WWW.
• IP: Internet Protocol. It defines the format of information packets sent from PCs when traveling over the Internet.
• MODEM (Modulator-Demodulator): A device used to transmit digital information over long distances through analog transmission routes. The transmission path can be a long cable or a connection via the dial telephone system. Modems are used in pairs, with one modem at each end of the connection.

Base Pages

The base page refers to the initial page you access on the Internet, the first page that appears when you go online.

Types of URLs

While the header is the most common format for a URL, there are exceptions, including:

• FTP Sites: Many Web pages contain references to directories or specific elements available using anonymous FTP. The URL that directs the viewer to these elements is the way your Web software performs an anonymous FTP connection to reach the file.
• Alternative Ports: Some servers run on an alternate port to the”defaul” for Web connections. If you see a URL with a number like”8001″ it means the Web server for that particular element runs on port 8001. (This is something you usually don’t need to worry about; it’s just a standard URL type).
• Specific Section: Some websites are extensive, containing a large amount of information. To direct the viewer to a specific section of text, you can append the name of a section to the URL.
• Telnet Sites: The link points to a specific site where you register. The URL will refer to the site, or if you used a specific user to register, it will hold a Telnet connection.
• Program Arguments: Sometimes, the user needs to provide specific criteria before submitting a query. When the server receives the request, the URL looks like this: The text after the question mark is given to the program as a sequence of arguments, which can be used to generate a personalized website with results based on these parameters.

Search the Web

In the WWW, the question arises of how to find what you’re looking for. The WWW browser provides links to related topics. However, you need a central location that contains a vast collection of information.

You can also search for words in the menu without having to browse directories, as conceptualized in GOPHER.

This is where search robots come in. They catalog millions of Web pages in a database, structured thematically and in a tree structure. These robots allow you to search for words in the database and browse directories.

Currently, it’s difficult to determine the exact number of search engines active worldwide. Here are some of the most important ones:

• http://ELINDICE.COM

Internet Links

Regardless of who you are, the only way to access the Internet is through a service provider. Service providers offer various types of services, each with its own advantages and disadvantages.

Similar to buying a car, you need to decide what features you want, how much you’re willing to pay, and then shop around, comparing options.

You might already have an Internet connection available. If you’re a student or a college graduate, you can likely assume you have access as a student. Many high schools and some secondary schools are connected to the Web. Go to your data center or the computer science department and ask around. Don’t give up easily; often, the only people aware of the Internet are those who use it.

If you’re not in an academic setting, finding out if your company has Internet access is a bit more challenging. The person responsible for managing computer systems or the corporate network should be able to tell you. If most of your company’s computer systems use UNIX, there’s a good chance they’re connected to the Internet or at least can exchange emails and USENET articles.

Historically, if most of your company’s computers use DOS, you might not be connected to the Internet, but there’s no reason why you can’t be. Don’t hesitate to investigate thoroughly. If you work in marketing or accounting, you might not be aware of a good Internet connection that the investigation or engineering group is keeping to themselves. If your company has a connection but not in your department, your job is to ask WHY. Write a proposal and include it in next year’s budget. Do what’s necessary.

If your company doesn’t have a connection and you’re not a student, there are still two economical ways to gain Internet access. The first thing to do is check your public library. Some libraries offer a service called Free-Net. It’s a community information and email system that provides access to the Internet.

Dedicated Internet Access

Corporations and large institutions that require Internet access should investigate dedicated access networks. This provides full access to all Internet services.

A service provider owns and rents a dedicated telephone line at the speed you desire (faster speeds are more expensive) and installs a special router at your facility. This router is responsible for directing communications to other locations and sending them to their destination (and vice versa).

This type of connection is very expensive, costing at least $2,000 initially and several thousand dollars annually in monthly expenses. However, once the connection is established, you can link as many computers to the Internet as you want, such as a computer in every classroom. To do this, simply connect the computers to a local network with the router.

Dedicated access offers the most flexible connection. Each computer becomes a member of the Internet with full rights, capable of performing any network function. If you encounter a new application you want to try, all you need to do is download the software and try it.

However, since a dedicated connection is very expensive, it’s more suitable for a group of users and impractical for individual users.

Dedicated Internet access typically requires a support structure for your local network. The service provider will assist initially, but once connected, you are solely responsible for the router and phone line. What happens on your local network is your responsibility. If you’re responsible for maintaining your LAN, you’ll need to handle any issues that arise.

SLIP / PPP

In recent years, more affordable techniques have emerged to achieve”virtually dedicated access” These are known as SLIP and PPP, versions of Internet software that run on standard telephone lines using high-speed modems.

You might need to purchase software and a more expensive SLIP or PPP modem, but you’ll have lower connection costs. You don’t even need a”dedicate” phone line; you can use SLIP or PPP to connect to the telephone network when you need access, leaving the line free for other uses when you’re not connected.

The real advantage of SLIP or PPP is that they enable full Internet access. You’re not relying on someone else as an”access poin” to the network; you’re directly on the Web.

SLIP and PPP are well-suited for connecting a home computer network to a larger facility, which is in turn connected to the Internet. For example, you can use SLIP to connect your home computer network to your company or university. This way, your home computer will have full Internet access as if you were on your company’s Ethernet network.

SLIP or PPP are also suitable for connecting a single computer (or a very small local network) to a service provider that offers full Internet access. However, they’re not suitable for connecting a medium or large network to the Internet because they can’t communicate fast enough to support many users simultaneously.

Therefore, if you have a medium or large network (or anticipate having one in the future), it’s better to opt for a”rea” dedicated access.

SLIP is a moderately priced option: it provides excellent service at a reasonable cost, but you might wish it were cheaper. A service provider like UUNET or PSI typically charges around $250 per month for unlimited SLIP or PPP service. Alternatively, there might be a lower monthly fee with an additional hourly charge. Many service providers also offer 800 numbers or local access numbers in major urban areas.

If you’re on a local network or have a service provider using PPP or SLIP, the situation is different. Connect via telnet to the nearest router that supplies the service. You need to know your address because it’s the first step. If the router responds completely, it means your computer and links are working perfectly. The problem lies in the”clou” of the Internet and needs to be resolved by the network provider or the entity connected to it.

The manager could be a service provider, equipment maintenance personnel on a campus or in a company, or (if it’s part of a large network) someone in their department.

Note that we said”If the router responds completely” You might see an access indicator or a message indicating that the connection isn’t established. In this case, the answer has the same value. Even if you see this indicator, you might not know how to access the router, or it might not be interested in allowing access to anyone. Who cares? To determine the cause of either message, you need to go through your entire local network and into something bigger. It’s your responsibility; report it to the appropriate person.

ISDN Access

ISDN stands for Integrated Services Digital Network. Essentially, it means using a telephone line between your home or office and the central telephone company (or”central offic”). This might sound like a new technology, but it’s not. While it’s just starting to be used in the United States, ISDN has been widely used in Europe for several years.

ISDN access can be through dial-up (interim access as needed) or dedicated (permanent Internet connection).

The main advantage of ISDN is that it provides very high-speed access at a relatively low cost. An ISDN channel includes two digital channels of 56 or 64 KB (depending on the deployment used by your phone company). With such fast access speeds, multimedia services are quick. You don’t need to wait ten minutes to download a WWW home page full of graphics.

The price is a significant variable. It’s almost certain to be much less than what a traditional leased line of the same speed would cost for many years. Common charges for an ISDN line are $20 to $50 per month. Rates depend entirely on how the local utility commission calculates the service.

You can save money by using the ISDN line for regular phone service in addition to Internet access, but be aware. You can’t use a regular phone and an ISDN line simultaneously because ISDN phones cost hundreds of dollars. Sometimes, ISDN voice calls are billed at commercial rates, so the cost per call could be higher.

The drawback of ISDN is its availability in the U.S. is limited. If you’re in a big city, there’s a good chance of getting it. If you’re in a suburb, it will be difficult. If you’re in a rural area, forget it. You might have to spend a week trying to find the one person in your local phone company who knows about ISDN (and go through the 200 people who don’t know and try to sell you something else).

Since ISDN service hasn’t been widespread, many Internet providers don’t have the equipment to handle incoming ISDN calls. ISDN equipment was scarce, but it’s becoming increasingly affordable and available as demand increases. You might have to search to find the service, but you’ll eventually find it.

Switched Line Access Route

What if you can’t afford dedicated access and don’t want to experiment with SLIP or PPP? Is there an easy way to access the network? If you only need occasional access to a computer that already has dedicated access, you can use your home computer to connect to this remote system and access the network from there.

Time-sharing access is almost (but not quite) as good as having your own connection, and it’s easier to implement. Your computer doesn’t actually become part of the Internet; you’re accessing a computing service permanently connected to the network.

Many organizations provide this service. Since you’re sharing the connection with others, the cost of these services is significantly reduced (usually $20 to $40 per month, possibly with some additional hourly access charge). The lowest rates apply if you use off-peak service (e.g., nights and weekends). If you can find a Free.Net (free network) in your area, it will be even cheaper, as its name implies, the service will be free.

This type of connection has its pros and cons. In the best case, you’ll have all the necessary hardware and software (e.g., a modem and a terminal emulation package). Even if you have to buy them, you can purchase them for less than $200.

In the worst case, you can only do what the service provider enables. You might not be able to use all the services the Internet offers. You might not be able to download and use interesting software applications; you’ll have to ask the vendor to add it to the service. You can’t run sophisticated applications like Mosaic. Some service providers might limit the amount of disk space you can use. And once again, you’re responsible for phone bills, although (as mentioned earlier), some providers offer 800 numbers or local access numbers.

It’s worth mentioning a new type of dial-up service. PSI (one of the major service providers) distributes a free software package called PSIlink. This allows a PC running DOS to connect to their system and use Internet services like email, discussion forums, and file transfer. Most problems associated with dial-up access have been addressed; for example, files you want are automatically transferred to your home system. The cost of this service is approximately $30 per month. The disadvantage is that you’re limited to what the service provider offers. As you might expect, companies like PSI that give away software don’t work with systems from competitors. If this seems like a fair deal, investigate it.

Access UUCP

In passing, let’s mention a subclass of dial-up access. All UNIX systems use a set of services called UUCP, which transfers data over standard telephone lines. If you find a cooperative service provider (like UUNET, an employer, or a friend), you can negotiate the use of UUCP to collect Internet email and Usenet articles.

Their system uses UUCP to connect via dial-up to a remote system at regular intervals and transfer items and mail back to your system. Therefore, you can read your mail on your own system rather than reading it on someone else’s. You can’t do much more than read mail and articles since you’re not actually connected to the Internet. Your computer only connects periodically via dial-up to an Internet computer and transfers files.

UUCP is common (if you have UNIX and a modem). You don’t need to spend anything on software and equipment. Any UNIX system has all the software you need. And it’s easy to find someone to give you a UUCP connection for free or at least cheaply. If all you want on your home system is email, this will suffice.

Implementing UUCP isn’t trivial, but it’s not very difficult either.

Route Access Networks

Most network services, such as BITNET and CompuServe, have established gateways that allow you to exchange email with other systems on the Internet. Some have set up doors for reading Internet discussion forums (Usenet articles). There are also a few services out there that let you request a file via email message. These services retrieve the file and automatically email it to you. It’s not as good as getting the file directly, but it works.

This might be all you need. But it’s definitely not an Internet connection because you only have access to a few services. What you can do is relatively limited; there’s much more out there waiting for you.

There are other ways you can use other networks to reach the Internet. If you’re using a”UNIX for the masse” service, for example, for Internet service via dial-up, you usually have to pay the host computer for their own long-distance calls. It might be more economical to use other networks, like CompServe, to get from your home computer to the Internet. This way, you can reach anywhere on the Internet.

Phone Line

For any option you choose, you’ll need some type of phone connection, either a very expensive T3 line or a standard voice line. Here’s a summary of the most common service grades:

Children on the Web

How to Protect Your Children Online

Children are increasingly connecting to the Internet, whether to play, chat with friends, or get help with schoolwork. But the network can be a dangerous place, and no one is more at risk than children.

From being harassed in chat rooms to accessing pornographic and aggressive websites, children can encounter individuals who are not who they claim to be.

Fortunately, a little knowledge and parental awareness can reduce this risk. We’ll provide the necessary tools, tips, and resources to keep your children happy and secure online.

Security in Chat Rooms

Chat rooms are a fun way for children to make new friends. But anonymity brings risks: adults posing as children, stalking innocent children, asking for personal information, harassing, or pushing for a personal meeting.

The best defense against such treatment is to establish rules for your children’s online behavior. Teach them never to give personal information (name, address, phone number, city, parents’ work address or phone number, school name, or any specific information) in chat rooms, emails, or message boards. Also, warn them against sending photos, arranging meetings, or accessing adult areas without parental permission.

During a chat, messages that make them uncomfortable (e.g., obscene, belligerent, threatening, or sexually suggestive) should not be answered, and the session should be terminated. Most importantly, talk to your kids about online safety (visit various websites), and make sure they know to report any serious problems or uncomfortable situations.

But even with these recommendations, children should be supervised. Report any attempt to push for personal encounters to the police.

Protection Against Unsafe Sites

It’s easier than you think for your children to encounter pornographic websites.

If you use a search engine to find something, entering certain keywords might lead to results that aren’t what you intended. While most children know that porn sites are banned, this accidental exposure can cause confusion.

Fortunately, your children can surf relatively safely using parental blocking software. These programs filter out pornographic and offensive content, control access to each page, block access to certain categories, and keep kids out of inappropriate chat rooms. However, none of these products are error-free and might limit legitimate content, including information on breast cancer or health pages.

While this software is the best option for blocking porn sites, it doesn’t work very well at blocking hate speech, violence, or drug-related content. CyberPatrol is recommended, but there are other options available.

Another option is to use an ISP that blocks websites geared toward sex, hate speech, and violence. However, this doesn’t allow users to decide what content is appropriate.

Common-Sense Tips for Safe Navigation

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Talking to your kids about the dangers of chat is your only defense. Pedophiles and child molesters go after that are new to the network, so put your children safe. Keep the computer in a family room instead of an office or bedroom. Navigate with his children know where and with whom they chat. Many of the sites for kids are sophisticated sites offering everything about games, activities and educational resources, email, chat. Put the same limits on the network that it uses in TV and other activities. And make sure children know to turn to when they encounter someone in their way.
The network is a great invention for kids. If one applies the same rules for everyday things, you can make the Web a safe place for their children to learn and play.