Internet          

A global network connecting millions of computers. More than 100 countries are linked into exchanges of data, news and opinions. Unlike online services, which are centrally controlled, the Internet is decentralized by design. Each Internet computer, called a host, is independent. Its operators can choose which Internet services to use and which local services to make available to the global Internet community. Remarkably, this anarchy by design works exceedingly well.

What is a Search Engine?

              A Search Engine is a web site that provides tools to help you find pages of information. Typically, you can search by typing keywords or description, or filling out a form or clicking a series of links (surf) to narrow down your search.

Services on the Internet

The Internet has many interesting things to discover. Using it for entertainment reasons is one of the easiest ways to have fun on your own schedule. It can also be used for work purposes such as faxing, email, and conference calling. With all of the available Internet services, you'll have instant access to the content you need.

Many services are available in the Internet. they are grouped into three classifications namely communication, information and file transfer services.

1. Communication Services. The services include e-mail, bulletin board system, chat, instant messages, list services, and news groups.

• E-mail. Email service is provided by most search engines and ISPs. This allows user to compose a message using a simple word processor and sent over a computer network of Internet to a person or group of people who have an e-mail address.When a mail sent, it goes with a header composed of the date, sender's and recipients e-mail addresses, carbon copy to addresses of the other recipients, and subject or topic discussed in the e-mail.
• Bulletin board system. Sometimes called BBS, these are public areas for messages. They may be open to everyone or restricted to members of certain groups, accessed only with username and password.
• Chat. This allows a user to send real time messages between two or more users in a virtual room where users gather simultaneously and "talk" to one another by typing messages.
• Instant messages. Also known as IM, this communication service permits the user to send real-time messages via a private chat room to other individuals who are online.
• Listservs. A mail management program used to organize and refer to all mailing lists. when everyone on the mailing list. When someone post message to a listserv, everyone on the mailing list receives the message via e-mail.
• Newsgroups. An online discussion group that focuses on a specific topic.
• Videoconferencing. This service allows users to appear live on displays and to be heard via speakers of the receiving computer. 

2. Information Services. The services that allows user to look for information using a search engine or log in to remote computers for the purpose of obtaining information. There are two main services namely web and telnet.

• World-Wide Web (WWW). This service is the portion of the Internet that is most easily accessible to the public. It does not require a login process or any membership to access and view its pages. Simply search for it using search engines or browse through other intermediate pages by clicking on links or surfing through lists of topics and subtopics until you reach the desired page.
• Telnet. Is a web sites allow log in to a computer at another site to access its information. These sites permit anyone to use them. More versatile and friendly search engines with directories and hyperlinks replaced all these though few sites still exists.

3. File transfer services. The service allow users to obtain files from other sites and bring and save them to their computers. This process is called downloading. Some services also allow users to send files to remote computes known as uploading.

 

Misconceptions

            Not all Internet services are the same. Each one offers connections plans with various speeds. Choosing the one that works best for you will mostly depend on your location and the reasons you're accessing the Internet. For more demanding tasks such as streaming and uploading large files, you'll need the fastest Internet connection available in your area. It will cut down on the amount of lag time you're spending and also help you to finish your Internet tasks quickly.

Warning

            Check the fine print for any Internet service you decide on. Although some Internet providers will claim to offer you unlimited or countless hours to use the Internet, there's really a set limit. Sometimes your Internet plan will really have a cut off point for access. If you go over this preset quota, then you'll be at risk of being disconnected by your Internet provider or charged a tremendous overage fee.