[...]... excites them most about the wonders of the Internet xvii This page intentionally left blank INTRODUCTION Several years ago, Thomas’s English Muffins had an ad that proclaimed that the tastiness of their muffins was due to the presence of myriad “nooks and crannies.” The same may be said of the Internet It is in the Internet s nooks and crannies that the true “tastiness” often lies Almost every Internet. .. awareness of these issues Lastly, the chapter provides some resources useful for keeping up on the latest Internet tools, content, and issues T HE P IECES OF THE I NTERNET First, the Internet and the “Web” are not synonymous, although they are frequently used interchangeably As late as the mid-1990s, the Internet had some clearly distinguishable parts, as defined by their functions Much Internet 1... conversant with Internet content and issues It includes some background for understanding more fully the characteristics, content, and searchability of the Internet For those who find themselves teaching others how to use the Internet, it provides answers to some of the more frequently asked questions Among the things included in Chapter 1 are a brief history of the Internet, a look at the kinds of “finding... Although Internet and “Web” are not synonymous, most users do not distinguish between them When it makes a difference, I use the appropriate term Where I refer to resources that are generally on the Web part of the Internet, “Web” is used Where the terms are interchangeable, either term may be used Some Final Basic Advice Before You Proceed Most of us, as we have encountered the Internet over the last... claim as to the results that may be obtained through the use of The Extreme Searcher’s Web Page or of any of the Internet resources it references or links to Neither publisher nor author will be held liable for any results, or lack thereof, obtained by the use of this page or any of its links; for any third-party changes; or for any hardware, software, or other problems that may occur as the result... result of using it The Extreme Searcher’s Web Page is subject to change or discontinuation without notice at the discretion of the publisher and author xxv This page intentionally left blank CHAPTER B ASICS FOR THE 1 S ERIOUS S EARCHER In writing this book, I have made the assumption that the reader knows the most basic of the Internet basics—what it is, how to get connected, and so forth The “basics” covered... enthusiasm for them Once again, my appreciation to my friends in the New England Online Users Group for having suggested the phrase Extreme Searcher” to me several years ago Thanks also to the readers of my earlier books for their support, encouragement, and comments I also offer my gratitude to the many hundreds of students in the courses I teach, for their insights and comments on using the Internet effectively... I am told that some people don’t take the few extra seconds to split their English muffins with a fork, but, driven by their busy schedules, just grab a knife and slice them This book is written for those seeking to savor the extra tastiness from the Internet It will hopefully tempt you to discover what the nooks and crannies have to offer, and how to split the Internet muffin with a fork almost as... find your way to the most useful nooks and crannies As you explore, keep in mind the following three guidelines to help you get the most value from the Internet: One—“Click everywhere.” Two—“Click where you have never clicked before.” Three—“Split your muffins with a fork.” ABOUT THE EXTREME S E A RCH E R ’ S W E B PAG E As a supplement to this book and to the author’s previous book, The Extreme Searcher’s... elsewhere in the book Integral to all of this are some aspects and issues regarding the content that is found on the Internet These aspects include the questions of retrospective coverage, quality of content, and general accessibility of content, particularly the issue of the Invisible Web Woven into this content fabric are issues, such as copyright, that affect how information found on the Internet can . xix About The Extreme Searcher’s Web Page xxv Chapter 1 Basics for the Serious Searcher 1 The Pieces of the Internet 1 A Very Brief History 2 Searching the Internet: . proclaimed that the tastiness of their muffins was due to the presence of myriad “nooks and crannies.” The same may be said of the Internet. It is in the Internet s