What is the Internet? The Internet is an international network of computer systems that talk to each other using a defined communications protocol, allowing users to access facilities such as e-mail and the World Wide Web (WWW). Home Networking Now broadband is more affordable more people are using routers to connect 2, 3 and even more computers to the internet. Using a router you can all connect to the internet at the same time looking at different sites. Questions to consider before you go on-line include: What are you going to use it for? E-mail, the Web or both? Which Internet Service Provider (ISP) are you going to subscribe to and what pricing structure suits you? There are some ISP’S offering free broadband internet connections included in with the phone package. This is a good offer for most Internet users, if running a business you may require different services from your internet service provider like static a IP address, faster internet and butter fault resolution. Most modern computers are internet ready and you can connect to the internet straight away after receiving the hardware and username and password from your chosen ISP. If you have more than one computer in the house you can use a router to connect more than one PC to the internet at the same time. For advice on any of the above issues please contact Pro IT Services. All work undertaken by Microsoft qualified engineers E-mail E-mail, or electronic mail, is a facility that enables computer users to send messages and files to each other via the Internet. E-mail can be used regardless of the types of computer being used, as long as each user has a modem (the hardware needed to connect to the Internet) and an account with an Internet Service Provider (ISP). E-mail is fast becoming an integral part of business, as it is a highly effective messaging service that can quickly distribute information to many people, enabling documents, spreadsheets and other attachments to be worked with by your business associates. It has already developed its own culture ("netiquette"), and there is an art to using it efficiently in the workplace. It is often informal and is a useful additional form of communication but shouldn't be allowed to completely replace traditional and valuable forms of communication, such as telephone and face-to-face contact. The World Wide Web There is a huge amount of information available on the Web. Originally the Internet was mainly used in academic circles, but it is now fully integrated into the business world. There are three main types of business website: · informative: simply an information source, offering general, unique or topical information · functional: integrated into the business process, for example accessing bank details, obtaining insurance quotes or searching for a restaurant and booking a table · e-commerce enabled: websites where users can purchase goods or services, either B2B (business to business) or B2C (business to consumer)