Chapter 10. Using the Internet

In This Chapter

  • Browsing the Web

  • Checking and sending e-mail

  • Grabbing files

  • Sending instant messages

  • Talking across the Internet

Give a man a fish and you feed him for a day; teach him to use the Net, and he won’t bother you for weeks.

—Anonymous

The Internet is a vast network of computers that spans the globe. Many different types of computers and operating systems work together to allow you access to information across the Internet. Linux, along with the other related UNIX operating systems, has long supported and worked with the Internet. Practically all the different services available on the Internet are available from your Linux desktop.

When you install Linux (see Chapter 3), one or more Web browsers, mail programs, and instant messaging tools are placed onto your new system. In this chapter, I introduce you to some tools you can use to access different services on the Internet, such as accessing Web sites, using e-mail, investigating newsgroups, and utilizing FTP — assuming that your Internet connection is configured (see Chapter 9).

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