This guide introduces you to the Internet
IS2013 Page 1 of 1
October 2001
1.What is the Internet?
An interconnected collection of independent computer networks throughout the world, linked together by a common TCP/IP network protocol.
2.Who owns it?
No-one owns the Internet or polices it. However, the individual networks which interconnect to it do have their own management, policies and acceptable behaviour codes.
3.What is the World Wide Web?
The web is a user-friendly graphical interface to the Internet.
4.Why use the Internet?
The Internet is revolutionising the way we work and learn, with new practical applications being developed almost daily.
5.How can I get access?
The web is accessed via a ‘browser’. The one we use here at Nottingham is Netscape. There are others, the most popular being Microsoft Internet Explorer. Most public access PCs have Internet access, look for the Netscape icon and double click on it.
6.What sort of information can I find?
A huge amount of information in many different formats. Types of information include: documents, software, electronic journals, online information services, databases and datasets, library catalogues, mailing list archives…to name just a few. Formats include: text files, word processed documents, sounds, images, video clips etc. Unfortunately as there is no quality control some will be high quality, others will not.
7.How can I find information?
There is no overall listing of everything on the Internet. However, a number of services have evolved, such as search engines, information gateways and catalogues, to help you. A list of search engines can be located from the
University of Nottingham web page:
You can access all types of information from the Information Services home page at:
Check out the Subject Resources link:
If you need specific help with subject resources contact your subject librarian.
8.What does the Internet offer?
The internet can be used for
- communication via email, mailing lists, newsgroups, real-time communication e.g. videoconferencing
- information in many different formats
- publishing your own information
9.Want to know more?
TONIC is the online Netskills interactive self-paced web tutorial with quizzes. Intended for newcomers it offers step-by-step practical guidance in a structured and easy to understand format.
Go to TONIC on the Netskills Web page at:
TONIC covers the whole range of introductory Internet topics for you to explore at your leisure, in an easily digestible format. These topics include:
- Exploring the Internet.
- How to access databases, free software and online information services.
- Searching the World Wide Web.
- Communicating via the Internet using email and news services
To work through the course you will need to register. This means that you can use TONIC as and when you wish and the server keeps track of your position in the course so that when you return you will be taken to where you left off the previous session. If you choose to do the self-assessment tests, you’ll be able to check on your running score.
It’s not difficult, have a go!
IS2013 Page 1 of 1
October 2001