The Internet is a vast network
of many different computers that are able to talk to each other
in spite of the fact that they may be separated by large distances.
These may be very different computers built by different manufacturers,
and may be running many different kinds of operating
systems. This is similar to people in (say) Israel, Brazil,
Japan, the United States, and Norway, each normally speaking a different
language, being able to converse almost instantaneously with each
other on very broad range of topics!
The computers of the Internet exchange packets of information.
You can liken a packet to be similar to an envelope, it surrounds
your data and contains both a return and destination address. These
addresses are called Internet Protocol (IP) addresses.
The destination address on the packets are read by a Router which
forwards the packet to the appropriate destination. In some cases
your data will travel through several routers before reaching its
ultimate destination. Basically routers sit at key points on the
Internet and act like traffic cops at an intersection of hundreds
of streets.
The ABCD's
of the Internet went online
June 14, 2002. Because it's new, there may be some bugs we
have
yet to work out. If you do experience any problems, find mistakes,
or want to make suggestions, please e-mail us by clicking the
"contact" button above.
This web
site has been made possible by a grant from the Michigan City
Community Enrichment Corp. Click
here to learn more.
Access
LaPorte County
301 E. Eighth St. #101
Michigan City, IN 46360
