Toshiba Satellite L455D-S5976 User Manual - Page 131

Exploring Your Computer's Features An overview of using the Internet 131 An overview of using the Internet The following sections give a quick introduction to the Internet and some of its exciting features, under these headings: ❖ The Internet ❖ The World Wide Web ❖ Internet Service Providers ❖ Connecting to the Internet ❖ Surfing the Internet ❖ Internet features ❖ Uploading to, and downloading files from, the Internet 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 and modem or through other higher-speed communication methods such as Digital Subscriber Lines (DSL), cable, and satellite links.