"Unlocking the secrets of the Internet,"

by John Davin

From our series of 8 business and computing how-to-books. (1,000+ ways to make your PC the "Fun, time saving, life changing, money making machine," the salesperson said it would be!) "In my humble opinion, the Internet is one of the most powerful tools ever invented. It will change the way you work and play, if it has not already. I encourage you to play and work hard!" My best business ideas to you, John Davin - Business and Organization Coach

Preface:

In my humble opinion, the Internet is one of the most powerful tools ever invented. It will change the way you work and play, if it has not already.

For example, many of us already communicate with our friends and business associates via e-mail, pay our bills via the Internet, order movies or services on-line or even turn in our homework via e-mail. And this technology is still in it's infancy!

In this book, we will cover not only the history of the Internet, but also what you can do on the Internet (today and in the future), from communicating via e-mail to performing research to purchasing products to even selling your own products and services.

Now, here is my vision of the Internet and an explanation of how it will change your life.

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"Unlocking the secrets of the Internet,"

by John Davin

Here are a few questions you might ask about the Internet:

What is the Internet?

How was the Internet started?

What can we "do" on the Internet today?

What will we do on the Internet in the future?

What are some of the limitations and drawbacks of the Internet today?

These are all excellent questions but the last one is the most exciting question. What will we be able to do on the Internet in the future? Well, just about everything you can imagine and even a few things you probably have not thought about. Yet this is just the beginning, and you better believe it, it will get better and more fun as time goes by.

Now, let's get started!

Let's start out with, "What is the Internet?"



Generally, the Internet is a series of computers around the world that are networked together to allow people from just about any location in the world to communicate and to promote goals, concepts, services and products. In this system, users can request or distribute information, via manuals, questionnaires, forums, e-mail and more.

Note that many large companies operate internal networks of computers in a fashion called "Intranet".  An Intranet is nearly identical to the Internet, but is restricted to computers that have direct access to the internal network.  The general public cannot access a private Intranet.

To understand what the Internet is and how powerful it is, take a picture of the world and choose any city on that map, in any state, country or nation. Then think about how wonderful it would be if you could learn about that community without going there. Or better yet, if you could communicate with anyone in any city, about any topic you desire. You can do this, today, as long as you and they have access to a computer and the Internet. That is what the Internet is about.

Another question you may ask is how can you best utilize the Internet to enhance your life, personally or financially. The answer to that question will be a different for everyone, but we see that the applications and services available on the Internet are expanding daily and people are taking advantage of the power of the Internet . We see that the number of Internet users is growing tremendously for this reason. Some say the Internet is growing by 70,000+ new members PER DAY!

The reason for this is that the Internet simply has so many benefits. To one person it may simply be a way to send a picture of your grandchild to a relative. To another person the Internet may be a way to research a term paper. To another, it may be a way to play a game against a friend in another country. To another it is simply a way to pay bills quickly or to sell a product or service. Again, there are so many uses and they are expanding every day.

To me, the the Internet is my new office. It is a business, educational and personal communications tool. My primary interests are in business, so I am grateful that it is an open medium where it is possible for the public to perform research around the world on any topic of interest or product. This makes it very easy for me or anyone else to market a product or service to a worldwide audience. It has never been easier for vendors like myself to sell products and services, to over 70 million people, in every country and every nation in the world.

Now, how was the Internet started?

But how did what we know today as the Internet, get started? The Internet was started by the Department Of Defense in 1969. It was a means of communicating for the Defense Department. Eventually, the system was adapted to be used by educational institutions such as large universities.  This was prior to the development of the home computer. 

The early Internet executed on mainframe computer and minicomputers (today referred to as middleware computers or servers).  There were no graphic images and the entire content of the Internet was text information.  Data was shared by moving files via an early version of File Transport Protocol (FTP).  Early Internet applications consisted of online bulletin boards and email.

In 1989 Tim Berners-Lee and others at the European Laboratory for Particle Physics, more popularly known as CERN, proposed a new protocol for information distribution.  The protocol became known as HyperText Mark up Language, with the acronym HTML.  HTML provided a (relatively) easy way to encode graphic material into messages sent over the internet.  The development in 1993 of the graphical browser Mosaic by Marc Andreessen and his team at the National Center For Supercomputing Applications (NCSA) gave the HTML protocol its big boost.  All modern Internet browsers are modeled after Mosaic.

Only in the past few years have we seen an explosion in the commercial use of the Internet by businesses, large and small. In fact, the system has changed quite drastically even since when I was in college in the mid 1980's and had started using the Internet. At that time, the system was for educational and military use only, and it was not intended for commercial use of any kind. Those who did use the system for commercial use were punished with spam mail and other nasty problems, like viruses and losing their Internet access.

Eventually, the benefits of the Internet to business and the end users (and the lure of money) opened the doors to the public for good, both forever and for the good of people around the world. That is if and when we all use the Internet correctly.

What are some of the limitations and drawbacks of the Internet?

Because there is so much information on the Internet, finding specific information on the internet can be difficult. Search engines do not always produce complete and accurate results of the location of desired information.

And many results from "Search engines and Directories" are based more on what advertisers are willing to pay to put their name in front of you first, more than the quality of the content of the web site.

But all in all, the Internet is the fastest and easiest way to find information today.

How many people are on the Internet?

These numbers will be outdated very quickly but today there are some 30 million users expected to be on the Internet in the United States (by 2003). The numbers are growing tremendously every month, and an estimated 70,000 new users join the Internet each day!

How does the Internet work?

Because the Internet originated as a tool for the government, the system is comprised of many computer servers that route users, e-mail and data through hundreds and thousands of connected computers. The stability of the network comes from its origin as a "Can't be down," system and the demands of military use. Each computer is connected to the next via phone lines or optic cable, or other network connection.,

But each computer is not a critical element of the entire network. This means that you can take one computer out of the link, and information will be rerouted through other computers on the network to complete its objective.

What is a world wide web home page on the Internet?

Briefly, a WWW (world wide web) home page is used to promote a product, service or goal, and can be used to distribute information and manuals regarding these subjects, or to collect information from users.

Examples of website uses.

· Personal websites.
· Hobby or group Websites.
· Special Interest Websites.
· Free Church and Income Websites.
· Business marketing and support Websites.
· E-commerce enabled Websites for on-line sales.
· Internet Malls thousands of vendors at one site.
· Extra Income oriented Websites

The longer explanation is that a home page on the Internet can be many things, but it is primarily used to share information usually as an introductory page with links to additional pages of information. Sometimes it will also be used to collect information from users for polls and marketing purposes. Others will use it to promote their resume in a job search.

Other organizations simply distribute information, such as your local community that will have a home page where you can review information on the government, local news, movies and more. The IRS also distributes information via the Internet. For example, you can download and print most any form or manual they provide for your taxes. Families may use it to share pictures, family updates, events and genealogy.

Many will also use the Internet for personal reasons, such as researching personal interests and topics such as health, hobbies, sports and more. They will use it to research their purchases, expecting to be educated on the topic. They are also willing to pay for the products and services on-line via credit card because the Internet provides a great resource for information and competitive pricing and convenience in ordering.

More and more we see the Internet is being used primarily for commercial uses as a medium to buy and sell products and services. This is not all bad. Consumers win if we implement the basic premise of the Internet from long ago.

The goal for the company should be to provide free information and education about a topic or product at no cost, as well as a competitive price of course. This allows the vendor to introducing themselves to the customer, allowing the company to establish credibility with the customer for the company and its products. Then the vendor will need to be ready, willing and able to deliver a quality product when the customer is ready to buy. That's the goal. Follow that rule and any business will make a sale.

What else can you do on the Internet?

Here are just a few of the services you can use on the Internet to communicate. For now, just remember that you may never use some of these services, so don't get too worried if you're not clear about how you will use them. Just review the information, take what you can use and throw the rest away!

Here are a few additional things you can do on the Internet:

e-mail - send messages and files to other users, or do the same from others.

WWW (world wide web) home pages - to promote a product, service, goal, or to distribute forms, manuals, or general public information.

Data retrieval - using search engines or directories. You've heard of the most popular ones such as Yahoo, Altavista, Google, and Webcrawler.

FTP - File Transfer Protocol - Exchanging Programs / Text Files and more, used mostly today for uploading and downloading files to and from servers for websites.

Newsgroups - discussion areas to talk about religion, politics, sports, computers, just about anything. Over 17,000 exist today.

Finger - when you want to find someone on the Internet!

IRC - Internet Relay Chat - live Conferencing talk to your friends via typing on the keyboard. The major benefit of chat is that it's real time, and you can have private conversations or hundreds can join you at the same time.

Send and receive money through the Internet.

Internet Phone Systems - you can actually talk over the Internet to people anywhere in the country, and in most countries around the world. All you need is a headset with microphone and speakers.

Video Conferencing - add an image to the conversation if you both have a camera on each computer! Technology is now at 30 frames per second, which is high quality video!

Send and receive faxes - just like your standalone fax machine!

There's just so much to do on the Internet, from listening to music to watching TV on your computer. Talking television, you can even look up local information and access the TV listings schedule, or if you want to get out, find out what movies are in town, where you can eat, shop, tour, vacation, etc. You can find out just about any information about any community, including demographic information for business research, and maps with driving directions if you want to go there!

What do you need to access the Internet?

You need 3 separate items to access the Internet.

1. Access to the Internet from an Internet Service Provider.
2. Hardware - either a computer with modem, television (with associated internet hardware) or similar internet appliance..
3. Internet software such as a browser or internet application for the computer or other device.

The (ISP) Internet Access Service Provider

There are many devices that access the Internet, but we are going to assume that you own a personal computer, or will be buying one soon! Either way, you have many decisions to make about how you wish to access the Internet. Your budget may help you decide the technology you use.

First, is cost a consideration? If you cannot find free Internet access in your area your choices are to start out with spending $5.00 per month for standard modem access at 56K for 5 hours per month usage, then upgrade to $20.00 for unlimited time usage. Then if you find you need more on-line time and speed, upgrade to faster ISDN (check prices) or unlimited access via cable for about $40.00 per month.

There are benefits to each type of access, but here are the basic benefits and perhaps even a few negatives about some of the services.

Dial up - Standard access using your phone line and a modem inside your computer. Dialup is a great service, just a bit slower and it requires a dedicated phone line. You have to dial up to check e-mail or surf the Internet, and if you are on-line, your phone will be busy until you disconnect. You may have to disable your caller ID or incoming calls will disrupt your service.

DSL - Digital Subscriber Line - a very fast connection to the Internet. It shares the existing phone line and is usually about the same price as cable.

Cable - one of the fastest solutions for the end user. The benefits of are a very fast connection, and you're on-line at all times so you don't have to dial up a server to check your e-mail or surf the Internet. You may also get a better price on your DSL service if you use the same cable company as you do for your television cable service.

You can also go through the conventional networks, like Compuserve, America On-line, or you may choose a local Internet provider. You may even be lucky enough to have a University nearby for inexpensive use.

If you'd like more information on Internet Service Providers, click here!

A NOTE ON SPEED:

More and more information and service (such as movies or presentations with graphics) will come via cable in the future. The transfer rates are simply much faster and in my humble opinion, soon we will all need this type of speed to enjoy the full benefits of the Internet.

Computer Hardware:

If you are purchasing a new computer, this section is easy! Just go buy a new computer, and you can pretty much adapt your computer to any new service. That's just how standardized computers have become. However, if you are contemplating a new ISP service on your older computer, it's a more complicated situation.

Even though the Internet can be accessed by older computers, including early Pentiums, and even some 486 based computers, as time goes by, your older computer may restrict the type of Internet access you use. The speed of older, slower modems, CPUs or graphics cards will become a bottleneck in the speed for the use of your Internet and you'll want to upgrade. This is the dilemma we are in today with technology.

To keep up we always need more memory, faster processors, more video ram and faster modems. The question is should you keep pumping money into upgrading and old computer or simply purchase a new one? The good news is that the price of computers has dropped tremendously from 1990 to 2003, from $3,500.00 to $1000.00 - $$750. Of course you can still spend more than that on a top of the line computer but any of these lower end machines should be quite adequate for most users and needs.

Integrated Internet appliances are another option in the hardware department. Many new models are available, but they pretty much all do the same thing.

One unit I have seen in the past is a computer that has everything built into one device. It's an Internet appliance if you will. It's an ANSWER MACHINE/FAX MACHINE/E-Mail/Video Conferencing/Internet Phone/Credit Card Reader for making purchases/word processor and more! Most units are leased with the monthly Internet access (ISP) charges included.

We'll send you more information on these units in the future.

Software needed to access the Internet.

If you're already on the Internet, you probably don't need to read this section. However, we feel there are some people who will be reading this chapter for the first time, or who are helping others with their computers, so we want to review this material now.

So, as you may or may not know, you need software to use the services of the Internet. Most new computers come with software to access the Internet, from Microsoft, AT+T or AOL. With any of these packages, the software you need is usually included.

If you go with a local ISP or Cable provider, they will provide the software for you as well. If you go with a cable solution, most companies send a technician to your house to set up the software and hardware for you. Check with your local provider, and don't hesitate to call a local computer technician to help if the local provider does not do the installation for you.

The software you will probably receive is either Internet Explorer or Netscape Navigator. The main functions of the software are to allow you to read and send e-mail, access the newsgroups and surf the Internet (world wide web pages).

Internet Explorer (Download here)

Netscape Navigator -(Download here)

Does it cost to access the Internet?

Yes, again, you must pay an Internet Service Provider to access the Internet, but once you have access to the Internet, most services such as e-mail and surfing are free.

Some areas of the country do have free Internet Access available, from a variety of sources. Here are a few services that provide free Internet Access to some parts of the country. http://www.netzero.com

Can you access the Internet if you don't own a computer?

Yes, you can access the Internet in quite a few different places without your own computer. The local public library has public computer terminals and many cities also have Internet Cafes which charge a minimal amount per hour to use their computers. Most colleges and universities also have terminals available to students.

What are the dangers of The Internet?

There are many pitfalls to using the Internet, so you have to prepare yourself with knowledge to have a safe and enjoyable Internet experience.

Here are a few areas of concern for any Internet user.

Computer Viruses
A computer virus can destroy the information on your computer. Most viruses do different things to your computer, from telling you that your computer is stoned to deleting all your files, which means viruses can be destructive or nondestructive. Most viruses are spread from user to user via files transferred via the Internet or floppy disk, or even e-mail. Some viruses are even embedded in Microsoft Word Documents that you download!

To prevent viruses from attacking your computer, download anti-virus programs from the Internet or have a computer consultant help you protect yourself. Mcaffee.com offers free downloads of software to detect a virus on your computer. You should run this software on your computer at all times.

Pornography
You have to decide what is and is not acceptable for you and your family, and then take steps to enforce those guidelines. There are many programs on the market that will automatically lock out bad sites and key words from your computer.

Click here to read more about safe use of the Internet for your children.

Being flamed or having your ISP shut down.
This danger is usually self-inflicted resulting in your getting slammed or spammed, which is usually the result of bad behavior on the Internet such as posting inappropriate messages in the wrong forum or sending unsolicited e-mail. Be very careful with the way you market on the Internet. You could end up with thousands or millions of nasty e-mail letters from other users if you are not courteous, and your ISP may shut off your services! That would leave you without access to your e-mail or the ability to surf the Internet!

How to use the world wide web (WWW)

As mentioned, the WWW stands for the World Wide Web. To access a website for a particular person or company, you need to type in their domain name (web site address) in your browser software package, where it asks for the URL (Universal Resource Locator).

It will look something like this: http://www.mynewoffice.com

Before we go on, what are the extensions for each website, and what do they mean?

As more and more services and websites were developed on the Internet, we needed ways to categorize the different websites and services. A system was devised where the extension (last 3 characters) determined the type of service for each site.

Examples: mynewoffice.com is a commercial site. Here are a few more. Just remember that more and more extensions are becoming available each day, such as .to and .tv. But the most valuable sites are any that are short and end with .com

Many people even make money buying and selling domain name and developed web sites. But that's another book!</