Introduction

The Internet has been called the "network of networks." Simply put, it's a way to link millions of people around the world, each of whom is using a computer connected to a smaller network such as the one in their office, or school, or to a commercial network such as America Online or CompuServe.

The Internet has quickly become a global communications system, offering new ways to reach other people and vast new sources of information. Don't be overwhelmed by the rapid advance of the technology. The phone lines and computers are merely the tools of the networked world that make new forms of human communication possible. These new ways to communicate are supported by a variety of simple tools for using the Internet. One aspect of the Internet, the World Wide Web, is becoming one of the most popular forms of this new communications medium.

Nobody owns or controls the Internet or the World Wide Web, although millions of individuals and organizations control their own piece of it. The Internet does have some governing bodies that propose standards and specifications and help plan for the future including the Internet Society and the World Wide Web Consortium and the U.S. Internet Council.

Individuals or organizations who just want to browse the Internet, send e-mail or use other basic facilities will need only a computer, modem, communications software and a simple way of accessing the Internet. The faster the computer and modem, the better, especially if you want to use the most sophisticated graphics and the animation capabilities of the World Wide Web. However, even older, slower computers can make use of most of the Internet's information and communications resources. It doesn't have to cost much to become an accomplished network user. Even those who want to create a World Wide Web presence will find many affordable options, although ambitious Web sites will require more sophisticated equipment and services.

The explosive growth of the Internet and the World Wide Web has created an environment where users have many choices and few restrictions. The sheer number of resources can be overwhelming, but there are a number of aids for navigating the Internet that can help you find the information you need.

Many training and education programs in the Greater Washington region are available for people seeking personal or classroom instruction. To learn more on your own, we recommend the following sources: Information Sources

The following list is a small sample of the resources available to you.

Magazine Articles:

• "Managing in a Wired World" appeared in the July 11, 1994 issue of FORTUNE. This article looks at how computer networking effects organizations.