According to projections from NetCraft, a leading web server surveying service, that there will be over 1 billion active websites by 2017, it’s understandable that the Internet can seem a bit overwhelming to new users. In fact, there’s so much to see and do online today it can be hard for new users to know what to do first – or where to go first to get started with all that “seeing” and “doing”.
Luckily for new Internet users, they have us to help get them started. The team at Learn The Net has been navigating the World Wide Web for over 15 years. Because we’ve been using the Internet for so long, we have an abundance of Internet know-how to share with with you, including:
- The history of how the whole World Wide Web got started,
- Which web browsers are best for what type of Internet users,
- How the mobile web came about and has evolved,
- What websites can help you make the best travel plans, find a job, or get an education.
Learn more about the most frequently researched softwares, services, and strategies millions of people use to shop online below.
Web Browsers
There are many different browsers available to surf the Internet. On most personal computers and mobile devices, Google Chrome and Mozilla Firefox get the majority of use, followed closely by Microsoft Edge (formerly Internet Explorer). In the Mac world, Safari is also highly used for surfing the web. The battle between these browsers to dominate the market has led to continuous improvements to their software. Learn which one is best for your needs before you get started online.
How the Web Works
The World Wide Web is the most popular part of the Internet by far. Once you spend time on the Web you'll feel that there is no limit to what you can discover. Learn how this whole thing works before you start your journey!
How the Web was Born
The World Wide Web was originally developed in 1990 at CERN, the European Laboratory for Particle Physics. The original idea came from a young computer scientist, Tim Berners-Lee. It's now managed by The World Wide Web Consortium. This article is a must-read if you want to learn more about how the Web got started.
Anatomy of a Web Page
Current projections suggest that there will be more than 1 billion active websites by 2017.
A website has one or more related web pages, depending on how it's designed. Web pages on a site are linked together through a system of hyperlinks, enabling you to jump between them by clicking on a link. If you’re new to the concepts of what information is located in different areas of a web page, and the purpose behind the location of that information, this guide can help you better understand that as you navigate the Web.
Domain Names
When you think of the Internet, you probably think of “.com.” Just what do those three letters at the end of a World Wide Web address mean? In order to locate online data, web servers that host the information each have a unique numerical address – and domain names turn those numerical addresses into word combinations that are easier for everyone to remember. Learn more about the history and benefits of domain names here.
Understanding Web Addresses
Think of the World Wide Web as a vast collection of electronic files stored on millions of computers all around the world. Web addresses help all of us navigate to the specific location of each file. Hypertext links these files together and Uniform Resource Locators (or URLs) help us better understand what addresses we need to use to locate the files. Learn more about web addresses here.
Bookmarks and Favorites
Make sure you're using the right browser before creating a lot of favorites and bookmarks.
With hundreds of millions of websites and more coming online daily, you will undoubtedly find ones you want to revisit. Bookmarks and Favorites save Web addresses so you can return to them quickly, without having to retype them. Learn how to bookmark web pages and manage favorites in your web browser here.
There's No Place Like Home (Page)
When you launch your web browser a predefined web page appears. This page is referred to as the home page or start page. The good news is that you're not stuck with any particular page–you’re free to choose any one you want. Learn more about setting up your home page in your preferred browser here.
The Mobile Web
One reason for the surge in popularity of smartphones is their ability to access information on-the-go. Connecting to the Internet from a device that slips into your pocket instead of a hauling around a bulky laptop offers a lot of convenience. Learn more about the mobile web here.
Decoding Error Messages
As you surf the Net, you will undoubtedly discover that at times you can't access certain websites. Why, you may wonder? Error messages attempt to explain the reason for that and other problems. Learn about Internet error messages and how to respond to them here.
Cloud Computing
Cloud computing refers to an evolution of the Internet where software applications are installed, upgrades, and stored on the Internet. Users save on the costs of buying software, installing it on your computer, upgrading it periodically and storing all your data on your hard drive. Instead, they use software applications online and pay a monthly service fee. Learn more about the benefits of cloud computing here.
Controlling Your Clickstream
Almost everything you do online–whether it's searching for information, reading a news article, shopping for a gift or downloading music–is recorded. As you move through cyberspace you leave a trail of digital data in your wake. This trail, often referred to as a clickstream, contains a revealing record of your online activities. Learn more about what browsers can do with your clickstream and how to protect it here.
Instant Info with RSS
If you thrive on information, there's an easy way to get it by subscribing to RSS feeds. RSS is a form of content syndication you subscribe to for up-to-the-minute information delivered to your desktop or mobile devices. Learn more about getting the most out of RSS feeds here.
Job Hunt Online
If you aren't looking for a new job why not explore other ways to make money online?
Finding a job once meant browsing the classifieds in the local paper and asking business owners if they were hiring. But the Internet has changed that. Online job boards, social networking sites, and employment sites have replaced pounding the pavement in the search for work. Learn more about getting the most of job searching online here.
Online Shopping
E-commerce has become a fact of modern life, with millions of people now shopping regularly from the convenience of their computers. Retailers, from Amazon to Z Gallery, have websites where you can purchase any imaginable product online, including tonight's dinner. Learn more about buying products through online shopping here.
Finding Cheaper Textbooks
As college costs continue to spiral upward, cash-strapped students have to be resourceful. Often overlooked in calculating annual expenses is the price of textbooks, yet it can add up to more than $500 per semester. Planning ahead combined with some online shopping savvy will go a long way in saving a bundle of money. Learn more about how to help college students save on their textbooks using the Internet here.
Online Learning
Would you like to get a degree without setting foot in a classroom or hone your professional skills from the comfort of your desktop or mobile device? You can now enroll in some of the tens of thousands of online classes available via the World Wide Web. Learn more about furthering your education with online learning here.
Plan Your Trip Online
Traveling through cyberspace can be exciting, but it's no substitute for an adventure in the real world. That's where the Web can really help you research destinations, organize your itinerary and book reservations. Learn more about planning a trip with online travel tools here.
Top Ten Tips
Despite the wide availability of high-speed, broadband Internet service, some people still access the Web with a dial-up account. Waiting for media clips and content rich web pages to download can be frustrating. To make Web surfing more satisfying and productive, we offer some tips.
Final Thoughts Before You Start Learning The Web
If there are things you need to familiarize yourself with about the World Wide Web, we are almost certain we have you covered with these helpful articles and tips.
Think you've mastered the basics? Why not put your skills to the test?
Remember – just because the Internet reaches far and wide doesn’t make it hard to use. The Internet was built using standardized coding principles so the information presented could be read by anyone, anywhere, anytime. Even with the rapid rise of smartphones and mobile devices, thought leaders who have helped build the Internet from the ground up continue to bring new standards for consistent presentation of information to everyone.
Whatever you are looking for during your Internet exploration, we are sure you will be able to find. Hopefully these guides from Learn The Net will help you feel more confident as you embark on your first searches. Good luck!