The Internet is one of the greatest innovations to make its way into the world today. Almost everybody has heard of the Internet; almost everybody has used the Internet to e-mail, chat, do research, and even play games!

Basically, the Internet is an enormous network that connects computers and other networks found throughout the world. It lets you meet people living thousands of miles away; it lets you learn about new cultures, new ways of living. If you're reading this article right now, then you're connected to the Internet!

Courtesy of Learn the Net.
Copyright (c) Michael Lerner Productions.

Now, we'll talk about some of the key components of the Internet:

• Modem:

The modem connects your computer to an Internet service provider. It is this service provider that connects you to various other computer and other networks in the Internet!

• IP Address:

Every computer that is part of the Internet is given a unique IP Address. The IP Address is used to identify computers.

• Packets:

Information being transmitted through the Internet is broken up into small packets.

• Routers:

Routers are the devices that transfer packets from one computer to another. They ensure that the packets reach their destination quickly and efficiently.

• Domain Names:

Domain names refer to specific computers or organizations on the Internet. They specify the location of websites, etc.

• World Wide Web:

The World Wide Web is by far the most exciting and diverse part of the Internet. These are the web pages you can access to do research, to play games, to download music, etc.

• HTML:

HTML is the language used by the web pages in the World Wide Web.

• Java:

Java is a language that is very similar to C and C++. It can be used to create programs that can be used in the World Wide Web!

• E-mail:

E-mail, which stands for electronic mail, is a fast, efficient way by which you can send letters and messages to people all around the world!

• Netiquette:

The Internet, like our everyday lives, has a code of how we should behave. This network etiquette is called Netiquette.