ELECTRONIC COMMUNICATIONS BASICS - Introduction to the Internet 1

An Introduction to the Internet

Networks, Internet and the World Wide Web

A network is a group of computers that are connected together so that information may be quickly and easily exchanged. Any information that can be created modified or stored on a computer can be exchanged over a network. Most medium to large businesses and all major corporations use a network. If the network is connected solely within a single business or office environment, it is referred to as an Intranet. Many users of this manual may belong to an educational institution and will most likely be connected to an Intranet. This will allow them to have access to a wide range of student, scheduling and planning information as well as E-mail within their organization. While someone sits at their desk, accessing information from their Intranet, their machine is acting as what is referred to as a client. The data that is being accessed is stored on another machine that is called a server. In most networks, the server is a dedicated machine used solely for that purpose. In smaller organizations, a particular machine could be both a client and a server.

The Internet is similar to an office Intranet, except that it is much larger. The Internet allows individuals on a particular network to share information with someone on a different network. This other individual may be next door or on the other side of the world. Information can be sent, received, modified or printed. E-mail can be sent or received. Video clips can be viewed or you can listen to music.

The Internet consists of a few high speed "backbone cables" from which other cables branch out into finer and finer strands. Most of the developed world has already been wired. Fortunately, the user does not have to plan their own route through this maze of wire. This is accomplished automatically. To get connected to the Internet, corporations and other business have their server wired to the Internet.

But you say "All I have is my computer. I don't have a server." The answer is, you don't need one. You can get access to the Internet by connecting your machine to someone else's network. To do this you purchase a service from an Internet Service Provider or ISP for short. You then access your ISP's network by using a modem and a telephone connection. When you enter an agreement with an ISP, they will provide you with step by step instructions as to how to set up your computer to access their network. If they don't provide this service, take your business elsewhere.

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