Terminology.....

Words and terms you will need to know:

Browser- Browsers are the name given to a category of software used to allow you to view web pages on the Internet. The most popular browsers are Microsoft's Internet Explorer and Netscape's Communicator. While these two browsers are used in more than 95% of all computers there are many other ones as well.

URL- This is also known as the "Internet Address" for a web site. For example, the URL for the WKSR radio station's web site in Pulaski is "http://www.wksr.com",remember you don't type the quote marks for a URL address.

World Wide Web- Sometimes known or referred to as "WWW", this is the term for the "web site" part of the Internet. The Internet comprises many unique types of uses. Among these are: WWW, Email, FTP, Telnet, Gopher, Newsgroups, etc.

Email- Electronic Mail is the 21st century version of postal mail, with nearly instantaneous delivery and no need for pen or paper, email is the fast and efficient way to correspond. Using Email, letters are written, sent and stored electronically through the use of computers. Using Email requires one of two types of Email software, client based or browser based software. Client based email software means that a particular program must be used to check, read and send email. An example of client based email is Eudora Email and Outlook Express. Browser based email allows you to perform all your email functions using any browser from anywhere on the Internet. An example of browser based email is Yahoo Mail. Email has become so widespread and used that some people have more than one email address. Today there are more than 100 million email addresses in the United States.

HTML- The computer "language" of web pages. Hyper Text Markup Language made it's debut long before most of us were aware that there was an Internet. The first draft for HTML 1.0 was presented in June of 1993. In the beginning, web pages had to be written with special "tags" to format the document for use on the Internet. Today web pages can be authored using any one of the many software packages written to do this task. Even word processors, such as Microsoft Word allows you to save a document in HTML format.

Download- To take full advantage of the Internet you will eventually have a need to "download" files from the Internet. The concept of downloading is very basic, you copy a file stored on another computer into your computer. When you use your browser to download a file from the Internet, you will be prompted for the location in which to store the file. You will need to know (remember) this location, in order to use the file you download (install the software or view the documents, etc.), you will need to access the file after the download is complete.

Virus- A computer program or script which is designed to disrupt the normal functions of your computer. Usually performing one or more tasks on your computer without your knowledge or permission. Most viruses are passed through email as attachments. A good rule to follow, never detach or launch any email attachment you receive unless you were expecting the email and attachment AND unless the person who sent it to you mentions and describes the attachment in the BODY of the email. Many viruses which replicate themselves put a subject matter in the email they send out themselves. If you frequent Internet download sites or receive email attachments or use floppy disk to carry "work" back and forth to work, a GOOD virus protection program is a must!

ISP- Internet Service Provider is the company which allows you to call into their equipment and provide a path to the Internet. Most ISPs fall into two categories: national/countrywide and regional/local. Each type has their advantages and disadvantages. The primary advantage of a national ISP is having local call access in most major metropolitan areas. The primary disadvantage is that since they have no local presence they offer no personal support or help facilities. Also due to their size it is often hard to find out "who" to speak to about a service issue or billing question, sound familiar? The primary disadvantage of a local or regional ISP is that they are "locally" based and usually offer only local access numbers and frequently 800 service for an additional charge. The PRIMARY ADVANTAGE of locally owned and operated ISPs is that they ARE LOCALLY OWNED AND OPERATED! With local presence and knowing the person you are talking to, it is usually very easy to resolve any issues or get answers to questions, "house calls" are not only possible, but free, when appropriate.