You're here, which means you've figured out how to open a web browser and click on links. Luckily, that's enough to get you started. (a hint: unlike most Mac and Windows programs, you don't have to click twice on web-page links. A single click will do what you need.)

WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO BE ONLINE?     Mentions of the Internet and the desirability of being "connected" are everywhere; from the tagline of TV commercials to news stories to the continual stream of "free 50 hours! AOL disks" in your mailbox. But none of these sources explain what the Internet is, or how to utilize it.     The Internet is not a single entity, it doesn't have borders, it isn't owned by any single owner or corporation of owners. "The Internet" refers to the collection of all computers connected by modem, fiberoptic and microwave links, and wires. This includes the computer you're at right now. Congratulations, you're a part of the Internet. BUT WHAT DOES THAT MEAN?     Being connected to the Internet means you can access the information which computers across the world have chosen to make public. It also means you can communicate with the owners of these computers in a variety of ways. If you have an e-mail address, you can exchange e-mail with anyone else who has an e-mail address (although there are some etiquette concerns). If you're interested in discussion on certain topics, you can read Usenet news, which is a sort of electronic 'bulletin board'. And obviously, you can look for information on Web pages. WHAT'S OUT THERE?     Well, there are