The Internet for Dummies (4th Edition). This item is unavailable.The Internet for Dummies (4th Edition)

A manual for Internet novices, this fourth edition reference leads the reader through the process of getting onto the Internet. It covers email, newsgroups, free software, BBSs and browsers.

Billed as a book for beginner to intermediate level Internet users, this guide covers all the basics at a level of depth suitable for those with no previous knowledge. It also aims to give you that little bit of extra understanding, so that your first forays into the Internet are better informed about its range and scope. For example, the first part of the book introduces the Internet, explaining what it does and how it works. You'll learn about the wide reach of the Internet, and about ensuring that your own data remains private when you want it to. You'll also find out about how to keep the Internet safe for the children in your household. But as well as that you'll pick up on intranets and extranets, two Internet-like systems that can benefit companies or organizations, which, while important, are not necessarily things that the absolute beginner needs to know about.

Later chapters look at areas like choosing an Internet Service Provider, the mechanics of getting connected, using the Web and e-mail, finding information and people, downloading files, using mailing lists and that growing phenomenon, online shopping. Because of its American origins, many of the examples given are not particularly geared for a UK audience, but the sample software used in the walkthroughs and technical stuff still holds, and the whole thing is put together in an extremely accessible way. --Sandra Vogel