Internet 101: Beginner's Handbook

May, 2008

Welcome to the vast and exciting world of the internet, and its subset: the world wide web! At first, the net and web are overwhelming to beginners, and there is no actual internet "Owner's Manual". But here at About.com, we are in the business of helping people understand things, and we have a collection of articles below to help you navigate the online world with more confidence and clarity.

What follows is a collection of explanations designed for both the internet beginner and the self-taught intermediate. Although best read from front to back, you are welcome to browse by specific topics below.

Remember to check back often for updates! This page changes regularly to reflect the dynamic internet and world wide web.

Again, welcome to the internet, and we hope you enjoy the free tutorials below!

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• Internet 101: Overview
  
  
• Techno Glossary of Internet Terms
  
  
• Equipment Checklist: What You Need to "Surf" the Net!
  
  
• "What are Plug-ins, and Where Do I Get Them?"
  
  
• Using Internet Explorer ("IE")
  
  
• Using Mozilla Firefox Browser, Instead of IE
  
  
• IE Browser: Running Multiple Windows at Once
  
  
• "How Do I Control My Favorites and Bookmarks?"
  
  
• "What Are The Good Search Engines"?
  
  
• "How do I Create a Good Password?"
  
  
• Searching 101
  
  
• "What is a URL"?
  
  
• "Family Internet: Where Can I Go For Safe Family Content?"
  
  
• "How do I Lock my Computer and Stop Hackers?"
  
  
• Email 101
  
  
• Viruses 101: Basic Defense Against Nasty Programs
  
  
• Understanding Spyware Basics
  
  
• Understanding Multimedia Basics
  
  
• "What is 'IM'? What are Good Instant Messenger Software Choices?"
  
  
• Internet Frequently Asked Questions ("FAQs")
  
  
• The Four Layers of the World Wide Web
  
  
• "How Do I Download Music? Is It Even Legal?"
  
  
• Converse With Other Internet Beginners Online
  
  
• "What is 'Netiquette' How do I Use Those Abbreviations in Email and Chat?"
  
  
• "Where Can I Learn All Those Internet Emoticons and Smileys?"
  
  
• Meeting People on the Internet
  
  
• "What is eBay? Is It Safe To Buy There?"
  
  
• "What Are the Best Free Downloads?"
  
  
• "How Do I Start Learning eBay?"
  
  
• "What is PayPal? How Do I Use it?"
  
  
• What do Internet Scams and Cons Look Like?
  
  
• "How Do I Speed Up My Torrent Downloads??"
  
  
• "How do Hackers Break Into Computers?"
  
  
• "What Are 'Cookies'? Are They Dangerous?"
  
  
• "What Are Zip Files? How Do I Unzip Them and Make Them Work?"
  
  
• "What is a 'Virus'? What is 'Spyware' and 'Malware'?"
  
  
• "What Are Some of the About Editor's Favorite Web Sites?"
  
  
• "What is 'RSS' Isn't that for News Junkies?"
  
  
• "What is 'FTW'? What is 'WIBAMU'? What is 'AFAIK'? What Do All These Strange Internet Expressions Stand For?"