Toshiba Satellite 110 Series, User Manual

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Connecting with the World
The Internet and Other Fascinating Places
Part I: Getting To Know Your Computer
151
The Internet is a network of computer networks located all around
the world. Information available on the Internet is actually con-
tained on one or more of the member networks. The Internet’s ori-
gins trace back to the ARPANET, a system created by the U.S.
Defense Department. The National Science Foundation (NSF)
greatly expanded the system, providing researchers at various
sites, such as universities, access to one large body of information.
Since then, the Internet has grown like a mutant being in a science
fiction film. Its users range from individuals in their homes to
large multinational corporations.
An online service, such as CompuServe or AOL, is operated by a
governing corporate body. The Internet, on the other hand, is
much more random. No governing body controls who may access
its resources or what information may be published on it. Every
user is free to contribute and participate without restriction. As
more users log on, contributing their own personal styles, the
Internet continues to change. The open, international nature of the
Internet makes it impossible to regulate or control effectively.
Here are some of the things you can do on the Internet:
❖
Send and receive electronic mail (e-mail).
❖
Join a written conversation in progress with one or more other
people.
❖
Shop and do your banking.
❖
Get computer programs and other information files.
❖
Search for information on any topic.
❖
Publish your own articles, books and multimedia works.
❖
Listen to the radio.
❖
Play games with people from around the world.
❖
Watch live concerts and interviews.