Lesson 6: Introduction to the Internet

What is the Internet?

The internet is a vast global network that connects millions of computers and devices around the world. Think of it like a massive web of interconnected computers that can share information with each other instantly, no matter where they are located.

When you connect to the internet, your computer joins this global network, allowing you to access information, communicate with others, shop, learn, entertain yourself, and much more. The internet has revolutionized how we live, work, and connect with others.

💡 Simple Analogy

Imagine the internet like a library that's open 24/7 and contains billions of books, videos, photos, and information from all over the world. Instead of physically going to the library, you can access it instantly from your computer. And unlike a library, anyone can contribute information and connect with others!

How Does the Internet Work?

While the technical details are complex, the basic concept is simple:

Your Device: Your computer, phone, or tablet connects to the internet through an Internet Service Provider (ISP) like cable, DSL, fiber, or mobile data
Internet Service Provider (ISP): Companies like Comcast, AT&T, or Verizon that provide internet service to your home or mobile device
Servers: Powerful computers that store websites, emails, videos, and other content. When you visit a website, you're accessing information stored on a server somewhere in the world
The Network: Cables, satellites, and wireless signals that connect everything together, allowing information to travel quickly between devices
Websites: Collections of pages stored on servers that you can access through your web browser

Wireless vs Wired Internet

You can connect to the internet in two main ways: Wi-Fi (wireless) uses radio waves to connect your device to a router without cables. Ethernet (wired) uses a cable to connect directly to your router. Wi-Fi is convenient and allows you to move around, while wired connections are typically faster and more reliable. Most homes use Wi-Fi for everyday use!

What Can You Do on the Internet?

The internet offers an almost limitless range of activities and opportunities:

Information and Learning: Search for any topic, read news, take online courses, watch educational videos, access libraries and research materials, and learn new skills
Communication: Send emails, video chat with family and friends, use messaging apps, participate in social media, and join online communities
Shopping and Services: Buy products online, compare prices, order groceries, book travel, make restaurant reservations, and access banking services
Entertainment: Watch videos, stream movies and TV shows, listen to music, play games, read books, and explore hobbies and interests
Work and Productivity: Work remotely, access work documents, collaborate with colleagues, attend virtual meetings, and manage tasks
Health and Wellness: Schedule doctor appointments, access health information, track fitness, order prescriptions, and connect with healthcare providers

💡 The Internet's Impact

The internet has transformed daily life. It makes information accessible to everyone, enables instant communication across distances, provides opportunities for remote work and learning, and connects people with similar interests worldwide. Whether you want to learn a new recipe, video call with grandchildren, pay bills, or research a medical condition, the internet makes it possible!

Getting Connected

To use the internet, you need a few basic things:

Internet Service: A subscription from an ISP (Internet Service Provider). This might be cable, DSL, fiber optic, or mobile data service
Modem and Router: Equipment that connects your home to the internet. A modem connects to your ISP, and a router creates a Wi-Fi network in your home
Device: A computer, smartphone, tablet, or other device capable of connecting to the internet
Web Browser: Software on your device (like Chrome, Firefox, Safari, or Edge) that lets you access websites

Setting Up Internet Service

If you don't have internet at home, contact an ISP in your area to sign up for service. They'll help you choose a plan that fits your needs and budget. Many areas have affordable options through programs like the Affordable Connectivity Program. The ISP will either send equipment by mail or schedule installation. Once connected, you can create a Wi-Fi network name and password to secure your connection!

Understanding Websites and Web Pages

When you use the internet, you're primarily accessing websites:

Website: A collection of related web pages that belong together. For example, a news website might have pages for different news stories
Web Page: A single page of information displayed in your browser. Each page has a unique address called a URL
URL (Uniform Resource Locator): The web address that tells your browser where to find a specific page. URLs start with "http://" or "https://" followed by the website name (e.g., www.example.com)
Homepage: The main page of a website—usually the first page you see when you visit a website
Links: Clickable text or images that take you to other pages or websites when clicked

💡 Understanding URLs

Every website has a unique address. For example, "www.google.com" is Google's address. The "www" stands for World Wide Web, the main part of the internet. The ".com" is called a domain extension—other common ones are .org, .edu, .gov, and .net. You type the URL in your browser's address bar to visit a website!

Internet Speed Explained

Internet speed determines how quickly information loads on your computer:

Download Speed: How fast you can receive information from the internet (downloading files, loading web pages, streaming videos)
Upload Speed: How fast you can send information to the internet (uploading photos, sending emails with attachments, video calls)
Mbps: Megabits per second—the unit used to measure internet speed. Higher numbers mean faster internet
Bandwidth: The amount of data that can be transferred at once. More bandwidth allows multiple devices to use the internet simultaneously

For basic internet use (email, web browsing), speeds of 10-25 Mbps are usually sufficient. For streaming videos or video calls, 25-100 Mbps works well. For multiple users or heavy use, 100+ Mbps may be better.

Checking Your Internet Speed

You can test your internet speed using free online speed test websites. Just search for "internet speed test" in your browser. The test will show your download and upload speeds. If speeds are slower than expected, try restarting your modem and router, moving closer to your router (for Wi-Fi), or limiting the number of devices using the internet simultaneously!

Benefits of Using the Internet

The internet provides numerous advantages for daily life:

Access to Information: Find answers to questions instantly, research health conditions, learn new skills, and access news from around the world
Staying Connected: Keep in touch with family and friends through video calls, email, and social media, even across long distances
Convenience: Shop from home, pay bills online, access banking services 24/7, and complete tasks without leaving your house
Entertainment: Watch movies, listen to music, read books, play games, and explore hobbies and interests
Education: Take online courses, watch tutorials, access educational resources, and continue learning at any age
Health Resources: Access medical information, schedule appointments, order prescriptions, and connect with healthcare providers
Job Opportunities: Search for jobs, apply online, work remotely, and develop professional skills

Getting Started Safely

While the internet is powerful and useful, it's important to use it safely:

Be Cautious: Not everything on the internet is true or safe. Be skeptical of information and avoid sharing personal details with strangers
Use Strong Passwords: Create unique, strong passwords for online accounts to protect your information
Keep Software Updated: Regularly update your browser and operating system to protect against security threats
Recognize Scams: Be wary of emails or messages asking for personal information or money
Secure Wi-Fi: Use a password for your home Wi-Fi network to prevent unauthorized access

💡 Safety First

Think of internet safety like locking your doors at home. You want to protect yourself, but you don't need to be afraid. The internet is a wonderful tool when used carefully. We'll cover internet safety in detail in later lessons, but remember: be cautious, use strong passwords, and don't share personal information with people you don't know!

Common Internet Terms

As you explore the internet, you'll encounter these common terms:

Browser: Software that lets you access websites (Chrome, Firefox, Safari, Edge)
Search Engine: Websites like Google or Bing that help you find information on the internet
Email: Electronic mail—messages sent through the internet instead of physical mail
Download: Copying files or information from the internet to your computer
Upload: Sending files or information from your computer to the internet
Streaming: Watching videos or listening to music directly from the internet without downloading first
Social Media: Websites and apps for connecting and sharing with others (Facebook, Instagram, Twitter)
Cloud: Storing files online instead of on your computer, so you can access them from anywhere

Learning the Language

Don't worry if you don't know all the internet terms yet. You'll learn them as you use the internet more. Just like learning any new language, it takes time and practice. Start with the basics and gradually expand your knowledge as you explore different parts of the internet!