The A to Z Guide to the Internet

I

ICQ- An IM program that is downloaded to your computer. ICQ allows you to contact other ICQ members through instant messaging. It also offers electronic greeting cards, games and worldwide chat rooms. The program is available for download at www.icq.com.

IM- Instant Messaging is the act of instantly communicating over the Internet, using on of many Instant Messaging platforms. IM is one of the most popular methods to have private one-on-one conversation online. Unlike message boards, the messages on an IM program are private. IM technology also differs from e-mail in that the private conversation can take place in real time.

Instant messaging makes it easy to confirm details on contracts and other business matters. It is also a popular social tool, and the driving force behind the development of IM features has been mainly social, and not business oriented. There are many popular IM programs that can be used. Most, if not all of them, are available for free.

IM programs are downloaded to your computer, installed and then accessible at any time. Some of the most popular programs are:

§        ICQ (www.icq.com)

§        AOL Instant Messenger (often called AIM)

§        Gchat, which available when you use a free Gmail e-mail address.

§        Yahoo Instant Messenger, which is usable by anyone with a free Yahoo e-mail address.

§        MSN messenger which links to the free Hotmail e-mail program provided by MSN.

Once you choose an IM program, you can speak with other people who use that same IM program. A third party free program named Trillian (http://www.ceruleanstudios.com/) allows you to combine your contacts from any of the major IM programs, and use one simple IM interface.

Internet-The Internet is also referred to as just the Net, and is a worldwide system of interconnected computer networks. The computers are connected through copper wires, fiber optic cables or wireless connections. The Internet consists of millions of smaller networks that have been established by businesses, academic institutions and government networks. All together these networks carry information and services (like electronic mail, online chat and Web pages).

It is a common misconception that the Internet and World Wide Web are interchangeable terms. Actually the Internet refers to the physical or wireless connection between computers. The World Wide Web refers to the connected documents that exist on the Internet.

Although the Internet seems to be a relatively new phenomenon to the general public, the basics of what would become the Internet were actually established in 1969. More developments were made through the next two decades and the network was publicized in the early 1990s.

You connect to the Internet using an Internet Service Provider (or ISP). ISPs provide the connection to the rest of the World Wide Web and are normally monthly fee-based services. An example of an ISP is AOL or Yahoo DSL. Common methods of accessing the Internet from home are dial-up, broadband (connection over fiber optic or copper wires), satellite and Wi-Fi. These connection methods have various speeds and download times. Some are not available in all areas, so make sure to check with companies in your area before making a switch of connection type.

Internet marketing- This is also known as online marketing and web marketing. This form of marketing combines traditional marketing principles with the unique interactive elements of the World Wide Web. The purpose of Internet marketing is to promote products and services online.

IRT- Anagram for “In Real Time.” For example, chat rooms allow individuals to converse IRT.

ISP (Internet Service Provider)- A company that provides users with access to the Internet. Before you can connect to the Internet, you must first establish an account with an ISP. For a monthly fee the Internet Service provider gives you the software package, a user name, a password and an access phone number. Often times there is a free e-mail address included.

Once the ISP software is installed on your computer, and you register your service, you will be able to connect to the Internet and surf the World Wide Web. The speed of the Internet connection will depend on the bandwidth of the hardware you use to connect to the Internet.

ISPs have a wide range of prices and packages to choose from. There are ISPs that service large companies and establish large networks. There are also ISPs that cater to the public and establish individual access to the Internet.

When selecting an ISP, be sure to choose a provider that has a local access number so you can avoid paying long-distance charges when you connect. Other bonuses to look for are accounts that offer unlimited access, as well as free space for your own Web site.