Webmaster Tip

The Internet

No one person "invented" the Internet. The Internet was initially created for research and military purposes. It is the result of many years of ongoing collaboration among people in government and the universities. It quickly grew and the Internet is used today by businesses, organizations, you and I. The Internet is a global network connecting millions of computers.

The Internet has its own language. For example:

• A Webpage (Web page) is a document on the World Wide Web (WWW). Every Webpage is identified by a unique URI (Uniform Resource Identifier).
• A Website (Web site) is a location on the WWW. Each Website contains a home page, which is the first document users see when they enter the site. The site also normally contains additional documents (pages) and files. Each site is owned and managed by an individual, company or organization.
• A Webmaster is the individual who manages a Website.
• If you don't understand a term used or the etiquette used on the the WWW, use these links to help you learn:
• 1. A Webmaster's glossary of terms.
  2. Glossary of Internet Terms.
  3. Netiquette.

There are a variety of ways you can access the Internet. You can get a free Internet access from one of the Internet Service Providers at this link Free Internet Access Providers, or use a commercial ISP that services your area.

No one has control of the Internet. Instead, many people and organizations voluntarily participate in groups who meet to develop standards Internet. Decisions are made by consensus among those who choose to participate. For example, The World Wide Web Consortium (W3C) develops the specifications, guidelines, software, and tools used for publishing on the Internet.

The Internet is an example of client/server computing. All networked computers share the work of a task. For example, when you access the Internet and view this page you use a client program called a browser. My server is responsible for transmitting this page to your browser, while your client software (browser) is responsible for displaying the page.

The Internet is decentralized by design. Each Internet computer is called a host. If you decide to build a create a Webpage or Website it is up to you to determine what text, graphics, and sound you want to publish on your Website. Most free and commercial hosting services prohibit you from publishing anything which intentionally or unintentionally violate any applicable local, state, national or international law. Always read the Terms of Service before you sign-up for any hosting service - free or commercial!

When you visit a Website some Webmasters collect information about you without your knowledge. Many people surf the web under the illusion that their actions are private and anonymous..unfortunately, this is not true! Don't believe me? Visit Privacy Analysis of your Internet Connection.

When you visit a Webpage the HTML code and all images used for that page are downloaded and stored in your computer's hard disk drive "History Files". These "History Files" are used to enable your browser to remember what Webpages you've already visited so it can make the "visited" links show up in a different color than the "unvisited" links. Some Webmasters also collect what are called "cookies" when you visit their sites.

• Although useful, "History Files" can take up large quantities of space on your disk drive. Recovering this space can be very beneficial in improving the overall speed and performance of computer. If you are concerned about this wasted file space, delete your "History Files" every time you use your computer. To learn how to delete your "History Files", visit this page.
• Cookies are text files -- they don't contain viruses or execute applications. I believe cookies are safe. But, if you are not sure, it's better to be safe than sorry. I recommend you set your browser to prompt you before a site puts a cookie on your hard disk, then you can choose to allow or disallow the cookie. To learn how to set your browser's cookies function, start your browser click on Help, then cookies.
• Make sure your PC contains anti-virus software before you begin to "surf" the Net. It's much better to prevent a virus infection than to have to deal with one. If your system is virus-free, anti-virus software can help keep it that way, provided you keep your anti-virus software updated. Also, make sure you run your anti-virus software on any software you download.
• If you use Windows on your PC and don't have it password protected when you connect to the Internet, your private data might not be safe. You can test your PC here for free ShieldsUp.
• If you connect to the Internet using a DSL (Digital Subscriber Line) or cable modem (operate over cable TV lines) connection, your PC isn't secure. DSL and cable Internet connections are usually on around the clock. Did you know, if you use a DSL or cable modem connection, your PC isn't secure?
• 1. Any good hacker can access your PC whenever he/she desires.
  2. The only way you can protect your PC is to install firewall software. ZoneAlarm is the top-rated firewall available today. It's free for personal and non-profit use (excluding governmental entities and educational institutions). Business users must purchase a valid license. Download Zonealarm at this link.

Because the Internet reaches across the World, there is no way you can be sure all Websites are trustworthy and honest. Use your common sense when using the Internet! Here are two tips to get you started

• Do not post anything personal at newsgroups or chat rooms.
• If you sign-up for any free Internet service, like free hosting, most sites will ask you to complete a form that contains personal information such as: name, address, telephone number, email address and age (to verify if parental permission is needed). You have to furnish this information.

The Internet is, for the most part, a friendly place. Most Webmasters believe sharing our knowledge is fun and has been a long-time tradition. We believe sharing our knowledge makes the Internet a better place to visit. If you're a Newbie to the Web and nervous about dealing with experienced Webmasters on the Internet, remember: we were all "newbies" once!

Do You Need Help? Don't be shy, if you have questions or need help creating your Website, just ask me. I work cheap -- free. The only dumb question is the one not asked!

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