GOALS
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Understand the differences between the Internet and the World Wide Web
Use a web browser to find and open websites
Navigate using links, the back button, and the forward button
Use bookmarks and browsing history to find favorite sites
The Internet, at its most basic level, is simply a network of connected computers. According to the
Oxford English Dictionary, the Internet is “a global computer network providing a variety of information
and communication facilities, consisting of interconnected networks using standardized communication
protocols.”
Like personal computers, the Internet exists based on
the integration of computer hardware and software.
The term Internet is commonly used to describe two
basic concepts in computer networking: 1) In terms of
computer hardware, the Internet is a physical
network of computers and server systems that
connect with one another in order to transfer
information. 2) In terms of computer software, the
Internet is a method of transmitting information
across long distances based on a certain set of
protocols and programs.
The term originated in the 1970s to describe a
computer network that combined two or more
smaller networks. The Internet as we know it
originated with the United States Department of
Defense in the late 1960s. ARPANET was developed to facilitate research at government and
educational facilities coordinated through the DOD. The first communication over what would become
the Internet was sent between UCLA and Stanford University on October 29, 1969.
Page 1 | Basic Computer Skills Series: The Internet and the World Wide Web
Content based on: Zeiser, A. (2009). Introduction to Internet. Reno, NV: AZ Consulting. REV 2/13
The introduction of commercial online services from companies like CompuServe and
America Online (AOL) expanded the reach of the Internet outside of the academic
community in the late 1980s and early 1990s. The World Wide Web was launched in
1991.
Through applications such as web browsers, individual computer users can access
information that resides on other computers, outside of the information stored locally on their own
computers. In this way, the Internet is a fairly simple concept – users join a common network of
computers so they can access and share information with other users, organizations, businesses, and
governments. Likewise, information sharing across the Internet is a fairly simple concept also –
information received from other computers is downloaded to an individual user’s computer, and
information sent to other computers is uploaded and distributed across the Internet to a specific
destination computer.
People commonly use the terms upload and download to
refer to sending and receiving specific files across the
Internet, such as songs or pictures. In actuality, all
information exchanged across the Internet is both uploaded
and downloaded. The content of any web page viewed
through a web browser is downloaded to an individual
user’s computer, and any information transmitted by an
individual user us uploaded through the Internet to a
specific destination.
Today, when most people speak of the Internet, they really mean the World Wide Web (WWW).
While the Internet consists of the hardware and software used to transmit and receive information
across a global network of computers, the World Wide Web refers to the majority of the information
resources available through the Internet. These resources include a vast number of documents, images,
and multimedia that form a “web” of information available to users who access shared information
through the Internet. The Internet consists of a group of interconnected computers, while the World
Wide Web consists of an array of interconnected information. World Wide Web pages, or simply web
pages, contain information content that is accessed through the Internet.
Page 2 | Basic Computer Skills Series: The Internet and the World Wide Web
Content based on: Zeiser, A. (2009). Introduction to Internet. Reno, NV: AZ Consulting. REV 2/13
One of the most common software applications used on computers is a web browser, which allows you
to access the Internet and view web pages. The built-in web browser distributed with Microsoft
Windows is called Internet Explorer. This browser is very popular and widely used because of the
dominance of the Windows operating system. However, there are several
other popular web browsers:
Chrome is a free, open-source web browser developed by Google.
Firefox is a free, open-source web browser developed by Mozilla.
Safari is a free web browser developed by Apple Inc. (available for
Macintosh and Windows personal computers)
Most web browsers work similarly and operate in a very simple manner
through which a website address (or URL) is entered into the address bar of
the browser, and web pages are displayed accordingly. Web page links can be followed easily by
navigating the mouse pointer to displayed links and buttons, and then clicking on them with the left
mouse button.
1
Navigation buttons allow you to move backward and forward through previously viewed web pages.
The 2Refresh or Reload button updates the web page to show any recent changes. The 3Home button
loads the specified home page (the same page that appears when first opening the browser).
4
Tabs are a feature included in all newer web browsers. Tabs allow users to open multiple web pages
within the same browser window and access the pages by clicking on the corresponding tabs.
Google Chrome
❸
Mozilla Firefox
Microsoft Internet Explorer
Page 3 | Basic Computer Skills Series: The Internet and the World Wide Web
Content based on: Zeiser, A. (2009). Introduction to Internet. Reno, NV: AZ Consulting. REV 2/13
While browsing web pages, you will encounter a variety of hyperlinks (commonly just “links”) that move
to other areas of a web page, lead to other web pages, open or activate certain types of visual or audio
content, or allow you to upload or download files. The standard format for links is blue, underlined text:
www.washoecountylibrary.us.
However, the many varieties of web page design are making this standard less
common. Also, when graphics and pictures are used as links, it can be difficult to
distinguish whether or not certain images on a web page work as links. The good
news is that regardless of whether or not there is any visual indication for a link,
most web browsers change the mouse pointer icon to a hand with an extended
forefinger when the pointer is moved to a link.
Most web browsers allow you to save the addresses of
websites that you visit for easy retrieval later on. In
Internet Explorer, this is called adding a site to your
favorites list. In Firefox, this is called bookmarking a
page. While on the web page that you would like to
save in Internet Explorer, select the Favorites pull-down
menu and click on “add to favorites.” In Firefox, while
on the web page that you would like to save, select the
Adding favorites in Microsoft Internet Explorer
Bookmarks pull-down menu and click on “bookmark this
page.” Either browser will allow you to alternately use the keyboard shortcut CTRL+D.
Adding bookmarks in Mozilla Firefox
To retrieve saved website addresses, simply return to the favorites or bookmarks pull-down menu and
you will see your saved sites listed. You can also create subfolders to organize your website addresses
into separate categories. In Internet Explorer, select organize favorites; in Firefox, select organize
bookmarks.
Page 4 | Basic Computer Skills Series: The Internet and the World Wide Web
Content based on: Zeiser, A. (2009). Introduction to Internet. Reno, NV: AZ Consulting. REV 2/13
In addition to saving and retrieving web pages through favorites or bookmarks, you can save one or
more home page(s), which will be the first website(s) loaded when you launch your web browser. In
Internet Explorer, select “Add or change home page” from the Home Page pull-down menu.
Alternately, go to the Tools pull-down menu and choose “Internet Options.” This method will open the
Internet options dialog box. The first tab is called “General,” and the first section allows you to set a
home page. In Firefox, go to the Tools pull-down menu and choose “Options.” This will open the
options dialog box. The first tab is called “General,” and the first section allows you to set a home page.
Setting a Home Page in Internet Explorer
Setting a Home Page in Mozilla Firefox
NOTE: Usually, it is easiest to first navigate to the website that you want to set as your home page, then
go to the Internet options dialog box (Internet Explorer) or options dialog box (Firefox) and click on the
use current or use current page button.
It is also possible in most browsers to set a home page by dragging and dropping the current URL
(displayed in the address bar) onto the Home Page button.
Using the Home Page button’s pull-down menu to set a home page in Internet Explorer
Page 5 | Basic Computer Skills Series: The Internet and the World Wide Web
Content based on: Zeiser, A. (2009). Introduction to Internet. Reno, NV: AZ Consulting. REV 2/13
The World Wide Web is truly an amazing resource of vast amounts of information that literally grows
each day. Accessing, filtering, and reviewing the information content available from the web is primarily
done with the help of a search engine. Search engines are typically accessed through a web portal or
web page and allow users to enter keywords that relate to particular items of interest. Search engines
are complex programs that perform automatic data mining to return relevant web pages, information,
images, and videos that match keyword searches initiated by users. Bing (from Microsoft; formerly
MSN), Google, and Yahoo are three of the most popular, although there are many other general and
specialized search engines.
Typically, users conduct two types of information searches: 1) keyword searches and 2) phrase
searches. Keyword searches are accomplished by entering one or more words that relate to a subject
area of interest. This is the most common type of search conducted on the Internet. Results from search
engines, called hits, are typically ranked so that the most relevant, widely viewed, and/or most popular
results are shown first, with subsequent hits listed in decreasing relevance and popularity. Each search
engine develops its own algorithms to determine relevance and rank, so the top search results from one
search engine will not necessarily being the same on each search engine.
A simple search for the word ‘frogs’ on Google (left) and Bing (right)
Page 6 | Basic Computer Skills Series: The Internet and the World Wide Web
Content based on: Zeiser, A. (2009). Introduction to Internet. Reno, NV: AZ Consulting. REV 2/13
A search for the keywords ‘frogs,’ ‘life,’ & ‘cycle’ on Google (left) and Yahoo (right)
Many search engines use predictive text to suggest common searches related to keywords of interest.
For the above search on frogs, Google suggested an array of related keywords, including the multiple
keyword search for frogs life cycle:
Many Internet users are not aware that exact phrase searches, using quotation marks, can be
conducted to help find original sources for things such as poems, books, and lyrics:
Page 7 | Basic Computer Skills Series: The Internet and the World Wide Web
Content based on: Zeiser, A. (2009). Introduction to Internet. Reno, NV: AZ Consulting. REV 2/13
Because of the proliferation of Internet crimes, it is important for computer users to evaluate search
results to ensure that they are connecting to reputable websites. While most illegitimate websites are
linked to through spam and phishing schemes, unfortunately there are many that offer poor quality
merchandise and services, charge inflated prices, have very poor return policies, and/or poor customer
service. There are several questions you can ask yourself to help determine if you have connected to a
legitimate website:
Is the site operated by a well-known, reputable government entity, organization, or business?
Examples: usa.gov, redcross.org, amazon.com
Does the site demonstrate competent web design? Sometimes the signs of illegitimate organizations
and scam websites include poor page design, noticeable misspellings, and dead links.
Are there few or no pop-up advertisements? Again, many disreputable websites will launch multiple
pop-up ads that fill up your screen, causing confusion to entice you into clicking on purchase offers that
you do not want or need, or to prevent you from exiting the site.
Does the site include standard contact information or a clearly identified way to contact the business
or organization? Although some websites operate as web-only businesses, reputable sites should have
links such as About Us, Contact Us, or Location(s) that provide an address, telephone number, and/or email contact information.
If the site sells goods, services, or subscriptions, is there a clearly identified way to contact customer
service and are there links that clearly explain return policies, cancellation, or requests for refunds?
If the site provides site-based or subscription services, are there links that explain the terms of services
(TOS)? This is especially important for users of free e-mail services, because there are always rules and
restrictions for the use of site-based services that should be made accessible to users.
The Internet can be accessed in number of ways. Broadband service provided through an Internet
Service Provider (ISP) is the most common way home users access the Internet. Users pay a monthly
subscription fee to an ISP that provides Internet access through broadband service, and less frequently
through a dial-up connection. Dial-up Internet service is often considered an outdated and soon-to-beeliminated approach to Internet access. For many people, however, due to the lack of
telecommunication infrastructure in rural parts of the US, dial-up service may be the only option
available.
Page 8 | Basic Computer Skills Series: The Internet and the World Wide Web
Content based on: Zeiser, A. (2009). Introduction to Internet. Reno, NV: AZ Consulting. REV 2/13
A modem is required regardless of whether you
have dial-up or broadband service. A cable
modem is an external piece of hardware that
enables information to be exchanged across
existing cable television infrastructure. A digital
subscriber line (DSL) modem is an external piece
of hardware that enables information to be
exchanged across existing telephone lines.
There are two primary differences between dialup service and DSL service: 1) Much higher speed
is available through DSL service, and 2) DSL
modems do not require exclusive access to the phone line, so phone calls can be made and received
while accessing the Internet. Similar to a cable modem, the phone line that brings telephone service into
a home is attached to the DSL modem, and an Ethernet cable links the DSL modem to the computer or
router.
In some cases, cable and DSL modems use a USB connection to link the modem to the computer, instead
of an Ethernet cable. It is also very common for home broadband subscribers to set up a wireless local
area network (LAN) to allow for wireless Internet access inside their home. This requires connecting a
cable modem or DSL modem to a wireless router, which makes Internet connections available wirelessly
to desktop computers and laptops that are equipped with a wireless network card.
Many people access the Internet through free services provided by schools, libraries, and businesses. At
schools and libraries, access is typically provided through an existing computer network. Individuals can
use computers linked to the Internet which are made available for certain periods of time allowed by
the organization. Users who have laptops with a wireless network card can often access the Internet for
longer periods of time through schools and libraries because they provide their own equipment.
The proliferation of wireless Internet access through businesses has come to be known as Wi-Fi service.
Technically, Wi-Fi is a certification given to certain companies whose products meet wireless networking
standards that ensure compatibility across the many types of wireless equipment available. However,
the term has become broadly used to indicate the availability of wireless Internet access at certain
locations, regardless of whether the equipment is certified.
Many businesses advertise Wi-Fi hotspots to attract customers to whatever goods or services that they
sell. This is very common at libraries, airports, hotels, restaurants, and coffee shops. Users should be
careful because occasionally these wireless networks are only available for a fee. Also, the risk of a
personal computer security breach is greater at a public location where many unknown users may
access the network at any given time.
Page 9 | Basic Computer Skills Series: The Internet and the World Wide Web
Content based on: Zeiser, A. (2009). Introduction to Internet. Reno, NV: AZ Consulting. REV 2/13
www.gcflearnfree.org/Internet101
www.gcflearnfree.org/Internet/module/3
www.bbc.co.uk/webwise/courses/Internet-basics/
www.bbc.co.uk/webwise/accredited-courses/level-one/using-the-Internet
www.bbc.co.uk/webwise/topics/using-the-web/
www.gcflearnfree.org/chrome
www.gcflearnfree.org/mozillafirefox
www.gcflearnfree.org/Internetexplorer8
www.bbc.co.uk/webwise/topics/using-the-web/using-a-browser
www.gcflearnfree.org/informationsavvy
www.gcflearnfree.org/google/module/8
www.bbc.co.uk/webwise/topics/using-the-web/searching
www.gcflearnfree.org/Internetsafety
www.gcflearnfree.org/Internetsafetyforkids
www.bbc.co.uk/webwise/accredited-courses/level-one/keeping-safe-online
Page 10 | Basic Computer Skills Series: The Internet and the World Wide Web
Content based on: Zeiser, A. (2009). Introduction to Internet. Reno, NV: AZ Consulting. REV 2/13