The Internet For Dummies [Paperback]

Billed as a book for beginner to intermediate level Internet users, this guide covers all the basics at a level of depth suitable for those with no previous knowledge. It also aims to give you that little bit of extra understanding, so that your first forays into the Internet are better informed about its range and scope. For example, the first part of the book introduces the Internet, explaining what it does and how it works. You'll learn about the wide reach of the Internet, and about ensuring that your own data remains private when you want it to. You'll also find out about how to keep the Internet safe for the children in your household. But as well as that you'll pick up on intranets and extranets, two Internet-like systems that can benefit companies or organizations, which, while important, are not necessarily things that the absolute beginner needs to know about.

Later chapters look at areas like choosing an Internet Service Provider, the mechanics of getting connected, using the Web and e-mail, finding information and people, downloading files, using mailing lists and that growing phenomenon, online shopping. Because of its American origins, many of the examples given are not particularly geared for a UK audience, but the sample software used in the walkthroughs and technical stuff still holds, and the whole thing is put together in an extremely accessible way. --Sandra Vogel --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

"...this is a cracking read for anyone with an interest in the Net, regardless of ability." (Internet Made Easy, Book of the Month)

" guides even the most tentative surfer through the World Wide Web, refusing to breath through ′simple′ steps such as knowing you′ve got a modem and choosing an ISP invaluable title " (Internet Made Easy, December 2002)

"...this is a cracking read for anyone with an interest in the Net, regardless of ability."

Everywhere you turn, you can find traces of the Internet. Household products, business cards, radio shows, and movie credits list their Web site address sites (starting with “www” and usually ending with “dot com”) and their e–mail addresses. The Internet is a new communications technology that is affecting our lives on a scale as significant as the telephone and television. Some people believe that when it comes to disseminating information, the Internet is the most significant invention since the printing press. If you use a telephone, write letters, read a newspaper or magazine, or do business or any kind of research, the Internet can radically alter your worldview.

When the first edition of The Internet For Dummies debuted in 1994, a typical Internet user was a student who connected from college or a technical worker who had access through work. The World Wide Web was so new that it had only a few hundred pages. Now, the Internet includes a hundred million people, connecting on their own nickel from computers at home, along with students ranging from elementary school to adult education.

The 8th Edition of this perpetual favorite focuses on the parts of the Internet that are of the most interest to typical users, such as

• The World Wide Web and how to find things there, including how to use Netscape and Internet Explorer
• Ins and outs of sending and receiving electronic mail (e–mail)
• Ways (and means) to shop and chat online
• An inside scoop on publishing your own home page
• The real deal about downloading from the Internet

The Internet For Dummies, 8th Edition describes what you actually do to become an Internaut (someone who navigates the Internet with skill) – how to get started, what you really need to know, and where to go for help – all in easy–to–understand terms and a helpful, friendly, fun–loving tone that′ll make your Internet travels a real treat!

Updated to cover Internet Explorer 4.0 and Netscape 4.0
We updated this 5th edition (published in Feb. 1998) to cover the new versions of both major browsers -- Internet Explorer and Netscape. We also added coverage of online shopping and kids on the Net. If you are looking for a easy-to-read, non-scary intro to the Internet, we wrote this book for you! --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Now revised and updated!
Your fun and easy guide to e–mail, the Web, and more!

#1 bestseller – more than 4 million copies in print!

Updated coverage of security, broadband, home networks, and more!

Your goof–proof guide to a great time online
ISPs. URLs. DSL. If you′re new to the Internet, all that technobabble can be confusing. Relax! With the friendly advice and plain–English explanations in this bestselling guide, you′ll soon be swapping e–mails, sending instant messages, surfing the Web, managing your money online...and maybe even creating your own personal Web page! The Dummies Way Explanations in plain English "Get in, get out" information Icons and other navigational aids Tear–out cheat sheet Top ten lists A dash of humor and fun Get smart! www.dummies.com Register to win cool prizes Browse exclusive articles and excerpts Get a free Dummies Daily(tm) e–mail newsletter Chat with authors and preview other books Talk to us, ask questions, get answers

John R. Levine, Carol Baroudi, and Margaret Levine Young are veteran Internet experts who have written many other books to help new PC users.