Call Sign May 1998

This month I will concentrate on introducing the core concepts of the Internet and I'll explain why I'm always waffling on about it. OK, I know I've covered some of these subjects before, but I thought that with the new emerging technologies and the ever-increasing public interest in the Net, a refresher was required.

In a nutshell, the Internet is the medium for efficient communication. To access the Internet, all you require is a Browser and an account with an Internet Service Provider (ISP). The two main browsers are: Microsoft's Internet Explorer 4, available at: http://www.microsoft.com/ie and Netscape's Navigator 4, available at: http://www.netscape.com/download/index.html
   Selecting an ISP is a much harder task, but thankfully the UK IT/Internet monthly magazines are an excellent source of information. In my humble opinion, the best Internet magazines are Internet Magazine, Net and Net.Works. These mags supply tables detailing each ISP's statistics and advises who they consider to be the most appropriate. Concerning PC related issues, I'd always suggest reading PC PRO or PC Plus.
   Through the browser, you can view pages of information stored on the World Wide Web. If you have got access to the Net, visit; http://www.mairs.co.uk a Scottish taxi company. Mairs, using the Internet, have the ability to advertise their services to approximately 120 million people world-wide, all this for the small cost of developing a web site. But that is the easy part, you then have to get people to visit your site and that is the harder part!
   For sending messages across the Internet, you would use an email application. Microsoft supplies an excellent email client called Microsoft Outlook 98, which at the moment is free. When you subscribe to an ISP, they should supply you with all the software you require, including the Browser and Email client, but not the hardware. You will of course require a Computer to store the information and to run the applications together with a Modem to connect to your ISP.

   There are two types of Internet Service Providers. Firstly, the kind that offer access to the Internet alone and then the type that offers additional services as well. (What type of services are you referring to, Vince!!…Ed)
   My ISP is Intonet, located at: http://www.intonet.co.uk and they have provided me with excellent service over the past two years, but don't expect loads of different services.
   Examples of the other types of ISPs are: Virgin, AOL and CompuServe. They all offer numerous different services such as television reviews, low cost purchasing on-line, PC support, news groups, holidays, etc.
   Personally I prefer to use Intonet, because the extra information or services the others supply is available on the Net anyway and free of charge.
   Lastly, a word of warning. Someone who is new to the Internet is called a Newbie and should be aware of the Netiquette employed on the Net. Be especially careful when you send an email to a list or news group, be sure to lurk around for a while and get a ‘feel’ of the netiquette employed on that particular list or group. If you don't, you'll get Flamed (the verbal abuse of someone using email) or Bombed (get sent large amounts of rubbish email). When you do get on the Net, why not test your email and send a message to the Editor of Call Sign at callsignmag@aol.com and with a bit of luck Alan will be swamped with emails!

Vince Chin

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