News and Information
The Internet provides many sources for specialized, up to the
minute news and information. You could subscribe to electronic mailing
lists that automatically keep you informed as to changes in that
particular field. However, caution should be used when subscribing to
mail lists. You may become flooded with E-mail. It also seems to be
very difficult to get organizations to remove your name from their
automatic E-mail system. There is also an exhaustive list of Usenet
groups that specialize in particular areas of knowledge Usenet groups
are primarily discussion groups.
Software
A wide variety of software is available on the Internet. Some is
called freeware and may be used by anyone free of charge. A large
amount of the available software is referred to as Shareware. This is
available for evaluation purposes. If you continue to use the software
after a specified time you are to pay for it. The charge for shareware
is usually $5 to $35. If you don't pay and you continue to use the
software, you are in violation of copyright laws. Many software
manufacturers have Internet sites where a person can get the latest
fixes for bugs in their new software or get demo versions of a
software package that they are considering purchasing.
Advertising, Shopping and On Line Transactions
For many years the Internet was free of any commercialism. This
has now changed. As you browse around the Internet you will find
advertisements at almost every site that you visit. You can visit what
is referred to as a virtual mall and do your shopping, or you can do
your banking on the Internet.
Recreation
Just about every recreational activity can be found on the
Internet. You can plan a vacation, book your airfare and hotel, even
check last minute discounts to that special tropical destination that
you have been dreaming of. There is also a vast assort of
entertainment and educational games available on the Internet.
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