The Internet

So what exactly is the Internet? Physically, the Internet is a worldwide network of computers. When you are connected to the Internet, you become a part of it; your computer is a member of this worldwide network (see Figure 2.1). What makes the Internet so important is how widely available it is combined with the usefulness and popularity of its services.

Figure 2.1. Your personal computer connected to the Internet.

In this sense, the Internet is similar to a newspaper. Physically, a newspaper is merely paper and ink. There is nothing really extraordinary in that regard. A successful newspaper, however, is one that is both widely ...

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