internet basics library

 

In Internet Basics, learn about the basic components of the World Wide Web and common tools that can make or break your Internet experience: search engines, Web browsers, RSS, spam and more.

Featured Article:  How Podcasting Works

Now almost anyone can be a disc jockey, talk show host or recording artist. Find out what tools you need to record and receive podcasts and see what industry analysts have to say about the future of podcasting. See more »

10 Useful Google Tools

10 Useful Google Tools

Google is the undisputed leader in searching the Web, but the company doesn't like resting on its laurels. What other products does the Internet behemoth offer?

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Fact or Fiction: the Internet

Fact or Fiction: the Internet

It's hard to believe that only about 10 to 15 years ago the Internet was a strange new world. And now it's impossible to imagine life without it, but how much do you really know about it? Test your knowledge here.

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How AOL Mail Works

How AOL Mail Works

AOL Mail is a free Web-based e-mail service available from America Online. Learn more about AOL Mail and related topics in this article.

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How Computer Addiction Works

How Computer Addiction Works

Obsessively checking e-mail. Playing online games for 12 hours or more at a time. Placing more value on chat-room friends than real ones. Just what is computer addiction, and why do some doctors disagree over whether it exists at all?

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How did the Internet start?

How did the Internet start?

The Internet is an integral part of our daily lives. How did we function before online shopping and bill pay? And what does the satellite Sputnik have to do with how the internet started?

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How do I add applications to the task bar in Windows 98?

How do I add applications to the task bar in Windows 98?

One of the funny things about the Graphical User Interface is that while the interface is graphical, the help files are textual. Learn how to overcome this dilemma.

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How do large Web sites handle the load of millions of visitors a day?

How do large Web sites handle the load of millions of visitors a day?

How do large Web sites handle the load of millions of visitors a day? Learn about Domain Name Servers and load balancing switches.

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How Firefox Works

How Firefox Works

In June 2008, the Mozilla Foundation released the third version of its popular Firefox Web browsing software. Why has it been eating away at Internet Explorer's market share?

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How Google Earth Works

How Google Earth Works

Online maps are great for people who get lost easily, and they're just plain fun for figuring out where stuff is. But Google Earth is no ordinary map.

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How Google Works

How Google Works

In less than a decade, Google evolved from a two-man enterprise to a multibillion-dollar corporation. How did a school project become the most influential search engine on the Web?

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How Hulu Works

How Hulu Works

Missed your favorite TV show again? Never got around to installing that DVR? Thanks to the power of the Internet, you can go to Hulu.com and watch the shows you love -- and are never home to watch.

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How Internet Infrastructure Works

How Internet Infrastructure Works

Do you ever wonder how the Internet really works? How do Web pages, e-mail and music move to and from your computer? Learn all about the amazing global network we call the World Wide Web.

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How Internet Search Engines Work

How Internet Search Engines Work

Internet search engines are special sites on the Web that help people find information stored on other sites. There are differences in the ways various search engines work, but they all perform three basic tasks.

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How Mahalo Works

How Mahalo Works

Mahalo is a new search engine that aims to give users a hassle-free experience. By relying on real, live people instead of complex algorithms, Mahalo produces relevant search results.

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How Microsoft Bing Works

How Microsoft Bing Works

As it lost ground to Google, Microsoft decided to do more than just upgrade Live Search. Instead it created Bing, a "decision engine." Can Bing be the new no. 1?

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How Online Reminder Services Work

How Online Reminder Services Work

Do you wallpaper your home or office with sticky notes? Perhaps an online reminder service would help you remember things and save paper, too.

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How Pandora Radio Works

How Pandora Radio Works

Pandora Radio is different from other Internet radio sites. Instead of relying on genre, user connections or ratings, it uses a Music Genome. What is this Music Genome and how does it know what songs you like best?

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How Photo Sharing Works

How Photo Sharing Works

Online photo-sharing sites let you upload and share your digital photos with anyone you choose. There are quite a few sites you can use, but check out an example in this article.

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How Podcasting Works

How Podcasting Works

Now almost anyone can be a disc jockey, talk show host or recording artist. Find out what tools you need to record and receive podcasts and see what industry analysts have to say about the future of podcasting.

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How Pop-up Blockers Work

How Pop-up Blockers Work

It's happened to almost all of us at some point in our Web surfing experience -- you're visiting a new site when all of a sudden your screen begins to fill with boxes advertising goods and services. Enter the pop-up blocker.

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