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The Internet

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Good Starting Points

• How Does the Internet Work?
  An easy-to-understand overview of the Internet and links to articles on related topics from HowStuffWorks.com.

• Learn the Net
  Tutorials for beginners and more experienced Internet users.

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Blogs

Blogs are online journals, often discussing political commentary, or specific topics of interest to the writer.

• Blog Hosting
  Create your own blog at one of these many Web hosting sites.

• How Blogs Work
  An easy-to-understand overview of blogs and instructions for publishing your own blog from HowStuffWorks.com.

• Legal Guide for Bloggers
  Blog without getting into legal trouble for what you post.

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Creating Websites

• Finding Images on the Web
  Explains how to find images, download them and add them to Web pages. Also includes information on copyright.

• HTML Goodies — Graphics and HTML Tutorials
  A collection of free tutorials from beginning to advanced level.

• MediaCollege.com — Internet Tutorials and Primers
  A nice selection of free tutorials and guides on various aspects of website design.

• Streaming Video Tutorials
  "How to convert video files into streaming format and serve them from a Web page," plus tutorials on various aspects of video production in general. From MediaCollege.com.

• TechTutorials
  Free Web design and related tutorials for webmasters.

• W3Schools Online Web Tutorials
  Learn to create Web sites with free tutorials on many facets of Web design and development.

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Internet Service Providers (ISPs)

• Choosing an ISP
• Wi-Fi (Wireless Internet)

• Choosing an ISP

  • Find an Internet Service Provider
    Enter your zip code for reviews of DSL, cable, fiber optic, wireless and satellite Internet providers from DSLReports.com.

  • Internet Provider Directory
    Search geographically for a list of dial-up, DSL, cable and wireless ISPs in your area. Provided by theISPGuide.com.

• Wi-Fi (Wireless Internet)

  • How Wi-Fi Works
    An easy-to-understand overview of wireless networks and links to articles on related topics from HowStuffWorks.com.

  • JiWire
    Shows paid and free Wi-Fi hotspots, along with the service providers and network names. Locations available on a sortable list or on a map.

  • Wi-Fi FreeSpot Directory
    Lists places that offer free, high speed wireless internet access.

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Online Communication

• Chat and Instant Messaging
• Email Services
• Newsgroups, Forums and Mailing Lists
• VoIP (Internet Phone)
• Social Networking

• Chat and Instant Messaging

  • BigBlueBall — Instant Messaging
    The latest news and forums on instant messaging.

  • Chat Acronyms
    Discover what AFAIK, L8R and all those other acronyms mean.

  • How Chat Rooms Work
    An general overview of chat rooms, how to get involved in chat rooms and more from HowStuffWorks.com.

  • How Instant Messaging Works
    An easy-to-understand overview of instant messaging and how to use it, along with information on providers. From HowStuffWorks.com.

• Email Services

  • How E-mail Works
    An explanation of E-mail and how it works from HowStuffWorks.com.

  • Different Types of Free Email Services
    A nice overview of each type along with a list of links to free e-mail service providers.

  • Top 17 Free Email Services
    Reviews of free Email services and related articles from About.com.

• Newsgroups, Forums and Mailing Lists

  • Discussion Groups
    To find a group discussing your favorite topic, try one of these sites: CataList, Google Groups, Tile.net or Yahoo Groups.

• Social Networking

  • How Online Social Networks Work
    A brief overview of online social networks, how to connect with others, what to look out for and more from HowStuffWorks.com.

  • List of Social Networking Web Sites
    A sortable list outlining each site's focus or description, number of users and registration requirements.

• VoIP (Internet Phone)

  • How VoIP Works
    An easy-to-understand overview of VoIP, its advantages and disadvantages, and more from HowStuffWorks.com.

  • Internet Phone Service
    This nontechnical site explains what VoIP is, how to choose a provider and helps you choose a service plan.

  • Voxilla
    The latest news, information and forums on VoIP.

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Online Security

• ConsumerSearch: Security Software Reviews
  Provides reviews of anti-spyware, antivirus, firewall, spam filter and other types of security software and recommends suggested software features.

• Home PC Firewall Guide
  Reviews of some of the best security programs for your computer, including quite a few that are free.

• How Firewalls Work
  A detailed description of how firewalls protect your computer from HowStuffWorks.com.

• Inside Spyware: A Guide to Finding, Removing and Preventing Online Pests
  How to recognize and remove spyware, adware and viruses, as well as tips to prevent them from infecting your computer.

• Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3)
  Created by the FBI and the National White Collar Crime Center, this website allows you to file a complaint if you feel you've been the victim of an Internet crime. Your complaint will be reviewed and, if appropriate, forwarded to local or federal law enforcement agencies. Be sure to look at their Internet crime prevention tips and their descriptions of typical Internet crime schemes.

• Krebs on Security
  Brian Krebs keeps you up to date with the latest information on viruses, software updates and other security holes in your computer.

• OnGuard Online
  "Practical tips from the federal government and the technology industry to help you be on guard against Internet fraud, secure your computer and protect your personal information."

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Podcasts

Podcasts are similar to radio shows on the Internet, which you can download and listen to at your convenience on your computer, MP3 player or other portable device. For technical information on subscribing and listening to podcasts, try the following links:

• How Podcasting Works
  An overview of podcasting including information on listening to and creating podcasts. From HowStuffWorks.com.

• Podcasting Tools
  "A comprehensive podcasting resource detailing everything you need to know about Podcasting."

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RSS

• How RSS Works
  An easy-to-understand overview of RSS, RSS readers and creating RSS feeds from HowStuffWorks.com.

• RSS Readers
  A lengthy list of RSS readers organized by type of computer or hand-held device.

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Search Engines

• Search Engine List
  A "comprehensive list of search engines" categorized by type and starting with all-purpose search engines. Includes links and descriptions for each.

• Search Engine Showdown
  A guide to Internet searching containing search engine news, reviews, strategy and more.

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Spam (Unsolicited Email) and Advertising

• Block Pop Ups With a Pop-Up Blocker
  The A-list of software tools to help you control pop-up ads on your computer.

• ConsumerSearch: Spam Filter Reviews
  Provides reviews of spam filters that work with your e-mail program and recommends suggested software features.

• Cut Down on Unsolicited Email
  The Direct Marketing Association's DMAchoice service provides an "email preference service" that can lessen the amount of unwanted commercial email you receive.

• How Spam Works
  An easy-to-understand overview of spam and how to stop it from HowStuffWorks.com.

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Video

• How Video Sharing Works
  An introduction to sharing your videos with others online.

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