Toshiba Satellite 1415-S173 User Manual - Page 179

179 Exploring Your Options An overview of using the Internet ❖ Internet features ❖ Uploading and downloading files from the Internet For more information about the Internet, see "Lesson 3: Learning about the Internet" on page 144. The Internet The Internet is an association of thousands of networks and millions of computers around the world connected by communications lines. They all work together to share information. The World Wide Web The World Wide Web (or 'Web') is a subset of the Internet - a collection of interlinked documents (located on computers connected to the Internet) that work together using a specific Internet protocol called Hypertext Transfer Protocol (HTTP). The World Wide Web offers information as text, images, audio, or video to be referenced from anywhere in the world. Special programs called Web browsers are specifically designed to work with HTTP. They make it easier to connect to a particular network address and send and receive information. Internet Service Providers To connect a computer directly to the Internet, many people and businesses use an Internet Service Provider (ISP). An ISP is a company that has the equipment and the telecommunication lines necessary to maintain an Internet connection. You can connect to the Internet by using a telephone line and modem or through other higher-speed communication methods such as Digital Subscriber Lines (DSL), cable, or satellite links.