Internet Navigation (Basics, Services, and Portals)

Abstract The Internet is a system of computer networks designed to send and receive data. This chapter introduces the basic concepts of Internet navigation. It explains what the Internet is, the infrastructure (both hardware and software) needed to access it, and the services and facilities available. Internet navigation includes the use of communication services such as electronic mail (e‐mail), listserv/mailing lists, news groups, Internet relay chat, downloading services such as file transfer protocol, and the search services such as the World Wide Web and the ubiquitous Web portals.