~ Introduction to the Internet ~

The internet is literally a network of networks - physically a world-wide network of cables and computers. The World Wide Web refers to the collection of information that is connected and accessible via this physical network, the internet. Each sites has an address (also called a URL or Universal Resource Locator) and home page which appears on the WWW - a sort of super-directory of computer addresses. The internet is patrolled by 'robots' or 'spiders' (mini-programmes) that collect URLs and also compile them according to your search request. 

Using the internet is rather like ringing up any large, complex organisation or bureaucracy. What can happen is that you are constantly re-directed or transferred from department to department when you use hyperlinks to move around the internet. During this process you can be:

• kept waiting in a 'queue'
• cut off for no apparent reason when you receive an error message like 'cannot connect to proxy server'
• misdirected when you can only find inappropriate or irrelevant information
• go round in circles - it is very easy to become side tracked or 'lost in cyberspace'!
• never actually get to speak to the right person, or find the information you need

All this means using the internet can be time-consuming and frustrating!

Some of these problems can be reduced by careful planning of your searches, and by knowledge of basic procedures. This intranet presents some basic procedures and skills; but the more you use the internet the more familiar you become with what it can (and cannot) offer, and the more refined your skills will become.

• ANYONE CAN PUBLISH ANYTHING ON THE INTERNET!

Unlike a published book or magazine article, it is not always easy to verify the source of the information that you find on the Internet. If the information is not provided with a date, an author, and the author’s expertise stated, you cannot accept the information as true and accurate. If it is published by a qualified author or reputable organisation such as a university, then you may use it as a reputable and credible source. Too often the Internet is used as a vehicle for advertising or for weird, unsubstantiated ideas.

• STRANGER DANGER!!!

Revealing your personal details on the ‘Net can be downright dangerous, which is one of the reasons why personal email is restricted and the use of chat lines is not permitted on the school network!

Refer back to the skills and strategies of Locating information, or use these links for further information on:

Bibliographies
Concept maps 
Current Information search strategy
Electronic Notetaking
Email
Evaluation of internet resources
Internet searching for beginners
Internet tutorials
Introduction to the Internet 
Navigating the 'Net
Questions
Search Engines
Search Tools
Study Skills
Web Search Strategy 

or request a printed brochure from your friendly Resource Centre staff!