Like most people, I thought the World Wide Web (www) and the Internet was one in the same. Actually, the www is basically a universal information database. Our connection to a large universe of documents. The Internet is the physical aspect which connects us to the information through cables and computers. A basic network.

The web works as a client-server model. Your browser (i.e. Netscape's Communicator and Microsoft's Internet Explorer) is the web client. As a program, it interfaces with the user and makes requests for documents to the server when you ask it to. The web server is a program on a computer, which then sends the documents requested by the web client. For example, when you click on a hypertext, the web client, your browser connects to a network address for the text, a URL (Universal Resource Locator). The client asks the server to forward a copy of all of its documents for the address to you. The server will then send back to you all text, pictures, sounds and movies to your screen.

A network address (URL) lists the protocol-http:// server or domain-www.microsoft. and the extension-com.
Most of the addresses we are accessing are registered with InterNIC which is a cooperative activity between the US Government and Network Solutions Inc. The cost to register your domain name is $70 for the first two years. Below is a list of extensions which would be attached to your domain name:
.com - commercial enterprises
.org - non-profit organization
.net- networks
.edu- educational institutions
.gov - government organization
.mil - military
Most business web sites are provided a spot on the web by an IPP, Internet Presence Provider. They host your site, provide e-mail services, technical support, etc. Depending on your web site needs, cost for hosting can be as little as $15/month. An ISP, Internet Service Provider, provides access to the Internet (i.e. America Online). They do this via a modem and dial up lines. www.thedirectory.org -provides a list of IPP and ISP providers

While the www is still more popular for its information, e-commerce is increasing at a high rate. Advertising on the web is very inexpensive considering the large market that you have access to. Americans in every age group lead the world in Internet usage.
Teenagers - age 13-19 #1 41% online
Adults - age 30-39 33%
" 20-29 31%
" 40-49 30%

There is no excuse if you haven't gone online. Our Libraries provide access to the web. Even workplaces are connecting their employees. Have you visited a cybercafe? Business owners, whether you pay a web designer to create your site or go out and purchase a user friendly software program (Microsoft Front Page 98) and create your own, it's time to get connected. It's easy.