Internet operations overview
Below are illustrations of two web browser screens. These are the language of the internet and we will be using one form or another of these during the course. The important thing to realise is that once you are connected to the internet through a browser the actual computer in use is NOT really relavent, in other words we can use either a Macintosh or a Windows machine.
While we are at Erindale Library we will always use Windows computers.
Hardware
The harware required includes a computer connected to a modem which in turn is connected to a telephone line. If we have the use of all the Erindale terminals then there are six computers, six modems and six telephone lines in use. Of course each terminal is independant of the other so users can read individual internet web pages.
Software
As mentioned previously, the computer hardware must use software to access the internet. For simple use only a web browser is required such as Netscape or Explorer and we will use both of these if possible. The Erindale system uses a Windows version of Netscape. The version of the browser will effect its use as far as the operator is concerned by the appearance of the screen, if images are required all the time (see later) and in setting up preferences, helpers and proxies.
Connections
The connection to the internet employs other software so that your computer can talk to the internet. Such software is PPP (point to point protocol), TCP/IP (transmission control protocol/internet protocol), etc. These are not important as far as first time users are concerned but will be explained later.
Internet Service Providers or ISPs
The internet is very dependent upon their Service Providers. These are organisations that allow you to dial-in to a particular web page etc and they require a large number of telephone lines, modems, an array of software and most importantly a large computer (or server) to handle the links from you to the ISP and in turn from the ISP to those other ISPs around the world.
Help resources
Help can be found from most browsers. Each browser has an array of options across the top menu bar for an array of uses.
