This document provides an overview of the basics of the internet. It defines the internet as a global system of interconnected computer networks that use TCP/IP protocols to link billions of devices worldwide. It describes internet service providers, connection options like dial-up, cable and wireless, browsers like Internet Explorer and Chrome, URL structures, search engines, privacy concerns, and the importance of antivirus software to protect against viruses. The goal is to educate users about fundamental internet concepts.

2. http://publicweb.digitalliteracyassessment.org/assessment/player.php?
m=2&l=en

3. What is the internet
The Internet is a global system of interconnected
computer networks that use the standard
Internet protocol suite (TCP/IP) to link several
billion devices worldwide.
Also called:
The Web
The World Wide Web
www
online

4. Sept 2013
“15% of Americans don't use the Internet, notes our Walter Hickey. Why not? The
number one reason: They're just not interested! This chart lays out the other
reasons.”

5. Basics
An Internet Service Provider (ISP) is a company that
provides (sells) internet access [one is Comcast]
Connection options:
Dial-up
High Speed cable
Wireless
Additional resources from Workforce Center

6. Browsers
Internet browsers are programs that allow access to
the internet
 Internet Explorer Chrome
 Mozilla Firefox Safari
 Opera

7. URL: Uniform Resource Locator
The address of your webpage
Looks like this: http://www.google.com

8. URL Domain types
.com, .org and .net are now unregulated
.gov = government
.edu = education
Country-specific domain types
.uk, .pl, .ca

9. URL vs. Email address
www.google.com
No @
steve@google.com
Personalized (steve)
Includes @ sign
Google.com is the domain name
Password needed

10. Website terms
A web page is a document accessible through an
internet browser
A web site is a collection of related web pages hosted
together
Home is a page set to be your “home” page

11. Hyperlinks
Hyperlinks are what you click that take you to
another webpage
Also called HOT LINKS

12. Tabs vs. Windows
Tabs allow for multiple webpages open aat the same
time within one window
“mini-windows”

13. Menus on your browser

14. Search Engines
Programs accessible through web browsers to search
the internet for specific words or phrases

15. Pop-ups
New web browser windows opened automatically
Almost always ads
Don’t fall for them! They want your information.
Other scam ads (1,000th
visitor, work for google from
home, etc)

16. Accounts
Many accounts – Many passwords
Examples: email account, bank account, student portal
account, public school student account
Passwords are like keys
Accessible ANYWHERE
Laptop, phone, school, work

17. Privacy
Never save your password on a public computer

18. Internet Child Safety
The internet is largely unregulated (unsafe!)
Filtering software exists
Flawed and expensive
Rules:
1. No chat rooms
2. Only message people from real life and never
allow children to meet with strangers from the
internet
3. Never give out personal information

19. Viruses and Protection
A computer virus is a program that makes copies of
itself and spreads from computer to computer
Most often harmful and spread through the internet
By email, unsecured websites, ads, etc.
Antivirus software available
Norton and McAfee are good but cost
Free and work well:
 AVG Antivirus
 Spybot
 Malwarebytes

20. You’re on your way