Internet Technology

We look to the Internet for news, socializing, shopping, research and more. From HTML code to instant messaging, we'll break down what's really going on whenever you log on, send an e-mail, visit a popular Web site or post to a blog.

Topics to Explore

How Google Books Works

What are the standard top-level domain names and who controls them?

Why are there so many broken links in search engines?

How to Start a Blog

Learn More

How to Delete a Gmail Account

Deleting a Gmail account is pretty easy. The hard part is making the decision and deciding what data to download.

By Jeremy Glass Internet / Internet Tips

How to Change Your Twitter Handle

Getting bored of your Twitter handle? You can change it in just a few quick steps.

By Cherise Threewitt Social Networking / Social Networks

Is Parler the Twitter Alternative for 'Free Speech'?

Membership on the social media app Parler exploded just after the Nov. 3 general election was called for President-elect Joe Biden. But why? And how does Parler work?

By John Donovan Social Networking / Social Networks

How to Access the Dark Web

Are there legitimate reasons to seek out the dark web? Sure. We explain what's on the dark web, how to access it and why you'll want to proceed with a healthy dose of caution.

By Cherise Threewitt Internet / Internet Basics

Could Your Computer Help You Be More Polite?

A new program from researchers at Carnegie Mellon can help your computer send more polite emails and messages. And they used a treasure trove of emails from the Enron lawsuit to do it.

By Melanie Radzicki McManus Internet / E-mail & Messaging

How to Deactivate or Delete Your Facebook Account

Whether you want to break up with Facebook for good — or just take a breather — we've got step-by-step instructions so you can do either.

By Nathan Chandler Social Networking / Social Networking Information

Why Haven't WhatsApp and Other Text Messaging Apps Taken Off in the U.S.?

Though many text messenger apps are available for download, most Americans still prefer to send a text message via their mobile carrier. Why is that?

By Nathan Chandler Internet / WiFi & Mobile

Can the Internet Break From Overuse?

With the COVID-19 pandemic causing people to stay at home and use their devices way more than usual, some are wondering whether the internet could actually stop working from overuse.

By Nathan Chandler Internet / Connectivity

8 Free Apps to Help You Stay Connected During Coronavirus

Need ways to stay in touch with your family and friends while you're quarantined during the coronavirus pandemic? We've got several simple apps so you can reach out virtually.

By Wendy Bowman Social Networking / Social Networks

If You BCC Someone on an Email, Can the Recipient Find Out?

Sometimes referred to as the "backstabbing carbon copy," the BCC feature in email allows a sender to copy someone on a message without the recipient knowing. But is there a way for the recipient to find out? And should you really use BCC?

By Nathan Chandler Internet / E-mail & Messaging

How Websites Use 'Dark Patterns' to Trick You Online

Ever found yourself signed up for a newsletter or paying for travel insurance you didn't want? It's no accident. Websites use 'dark patterns' to get you to do things you hadn't planned on. How do they do that?

By Nathan Chandler Internet / Internet Tips

That Dead Weblink May Be Revived With the Wayback Machine

Ever clicked on a web article with a broken link and wondered what was at that link? You can travel back in time and see that old webpage, thanks to the Wayback Machine.

By Nathan Chandler Internet / Internet Tips

How to Change the Language in Google Chrome

If you're looking at a news story or website in an unfamiliar language, there is an easy way to have Google Chrome translate it for you.

By Nathan Chandler Internet / Internet Basics

Why Do Social Media Platforms Practice Shadowbanning?

Its very existence has been debated for years, so what is shadowbanning, and how can you avoid it?

By Nathan Chandler Social Networking / Social Networking Information

How Google Works

Since Google launched as a privately held company on Sept. 4, 1998, it's evolved from a two-man enterprise into a multibillion-dollar corporation. How did a Ph.D. project become one of the most influential companies in the world?

By Jonathan Strickland & John Donovan Internet / Internet Basics

How to See and Delete Your Google History

Some browsers make it easier than others to delete your search history. We've got step-by-step instructions for removing your Google search history from your laptop and mobile devices for all major browsers.

By Nathan Chandler Internet / Internet Tips

The World Wide Web Turns 30!

And boy it's come a long way since 1989.

By Michelle Konstantinovsky Internet / Internet Basics

The Truth About Cloud Storage and Its Future

It's a lot more complicated than you might think. And it's not going anywhere.

By Greg Fish Internet / Cloud Computing

'Doodles' Make Googling an Art Form

How in the world did a search engine company like Google become synonymous with a fun form of art? It all started with Burning Man.

By John Donovan Internet / Internet Basics

Where Are the Women of Wikipedia?

Wikipedia is one of the most popular sources of knowledge on the internet. But more than 80 percent of its contributors are men. And that shapes the content, often in negative ways.

By Stell Simonton Internet / Internet Basics

Here's How You Back Up Your Gmail

Gmail is one of the most popular email suites out there today. But if you're not backing up your data, you could be in for a huge loss if the site goes haywire.

By Nathan Chandler Internet / E-mail & Messaging

This Podcast Needs Your Help to Answer Life's Most Challenging Questions

When was the last time you felt different? What childhood memory shaped your world? If you like discussing questions like this, you'll love being able to be part of The Question Booth podcast.

By Kathryn Whitbourne Internet / Internet Basics