Hello, and welcome to the World Wide Web! If you're reading this, you've already taken the first step into a larger world -- a world of hyperlinks, homepages, and endless possibility. Whether you found this page through a search engine, a web ring, or a friend's email, I'm glad you're here.
What Is the World Wide Web?
The World Wide Web (or just "the Web" for short) is a system of interlinked documents that you can view using a program called a browser. You're using one right now! Whether it's Netscape Navigator, Internet Explorer, or even that new upstart called Mozilla, your browser fetches pages from servers all around the world and displays them on your screen.
The magic of the Web is in the hyperlink -- those underlined blue words you can click to jump to another page. Hyperlinks connect pages together, creating a web (get it?) of information that spans the entire globe. One click can take you from a personal homepage in Ohio to a research paper in Switzerland.
Getting Started
If you're new to the Web, here are a few things worth knowing:
- URLs -- Every page has a unique address called a URL (Uniform Resource Locator). It usually starts with "http://" and tells your browser exactly where to find a page.
- Bookmarks -- When you find a page you like, add it to your bookmarks (or "favorites" in Internet Explorer). You'll want to come back later!
- Search Engines -- Sites like AltaVista, Yahoo!, and this new one called Google help you find pages about topics you're interested in.
- Netiquette -- The Web has its own customs. Don't type in ALL CAPS (it's like shouting), be respectful in chat rooms, and always sign a guestbook when you visit someone's page!
What You'll Find Out There
The Web is growing at an incredible pace. Every day, thousands of new pages appear. You can find:
- Personal homepages (like this one!) where people share their interests
- News sites with up-to-the-minute information
- Online stores where you can buy books, music, and more
- Discussion forums and chat rooms for every topic imaginable
- Educational resources, research papers, and reference materials
- Games, animations, and interactive experiences
A Word of Advice
The Web is what we make of it. Every homepage is a personal statement, every link is a recommendation, and every guestbook entry is a conversation. The best sites aren't the ones with the fanciest graphics or the most hits -- they're the ones made with care and personality.
So go ahead. Click a link. Explore. Get lost for a while. That's what the Web is for. And if you enjoy the journey, consider making your own homepage. The Web has room for everyone.
Got thoughts? Sign the guestbook or drop me an email. Happy surfing!