Current Scope of the Internet

The Internet is a giant network of computers that connects people and information around the world. The following are interesting statistics about the Internet:

• Approximately 420 million people have Internet access according to Neilson/Net Ratings.
• Approximately 60% of Canadians and 57% of Americans say they use the Internet.
• Barna Research recorded that millions of North Americans are turning to the Internet to get in touch with others who pursue faith matters.
  
  

Growth Rate

While the number of Internet users is still growing, it is also diversifying.  The less affluent, less educated, senior citizens and homemakers are joining the web audience at an alarming rate. (Media Audit)

Women Using the Internet

Never before have advertisers had a better opportunity to reach people online than today.  Computer Economics Inc. estimates that there are 96 million women online in the world.  The Internet is a resource for making time more efficient and making lives easier.  Other research shows that over 56% of new Internet users are female.  The numbers are growing, rapidly outpacing growth among male users.

Get Hooked Up to the Internet

You can get connected to the Internet through a number of ways. If you have a computer and are not hooked up, research your community as to which services are available. If you do not have a computer, you can check your email and surf the web at an Internet Cafe, a public library or a hotel. Costs per month vary by each area. You can get a free email account such as Hotmail.

The rapid change in technology may seem overwhelming.  You are not alone. Many have discovered that the art of learning is in feeling comfortable about asking questions of someone who is a step or two ahead of us. Feel free to ask questions and to try new things. Call computer stores, talk to your library and other community services to answer your questions.

Emails 

Like the Postal Service, the Internet allows anyone who knows your Internet address to send you a message.  It is called electronic mail (or email). It is simply plain text inside a box that is transported from computer to computer.

By the end of the year 2000, nearly 515 million electronic mailboxes were setup around the world. Email is one of the favorite tools of the Internet Community.

Instant Messages

Like the telephone, Instant Messages (IM) allow you to communicate with others quicker than email.  It appears on the computer screen in a small box that pops up on your screen.  It is in real time, meaning that it happens fast enough to be perceived as a real conversation. Some Instant Message Services include ICQ, MSN Messenger, AIM, and Yahoo.

To sign up for an Instant Messanger Service, determine which messenger service you want to use.  Download the product and set up a username and password..  The service will allow you to invite your friends to join you and download the product.

This system runs when the computer is on.  It can change your status to say you are unavailable.  You also have the option to chat privately with a selected group.

Chat room

Like a public park, Internet Chat rooms are places where people of all sorts congregate and talk.  It allows you local and global access. 

Chat rooms are open to the public. People choose varying usernames that are anonymous so that their privacy is protected.

Some chat rooms have monitored or hosted sessions. This person helps to guide conversation and is able to kick out abusing users.  Most chat rooms have posted rules and regulations. 

Many chat users like to use abbreviations when typing. These are sometimes available in the "chat tips" if you are unfamiliar with them.

In order to enter, sign in using your username and in some cases, a password.  This will take you to the main room where a text box appears.  In order to have a conversation in the chat room, type your comment and then hit enter.  The comment is then posted in the main screen.

Internet Searches

The Internet also serves the purpose of a library or newspaper.  Search engines and web directories serve a vital role in helping to locate specific information.  These are some of the popular search engines:  goto.com, Altavista, askjeeves, MSN, Infoseek, Yahoo, Lycos and Google. To locate websites, you type key words of your choice into the text box and click search.

Protecting Your Family Online

1. Spiritually
   While the Internet is a great platform to disciple and evangelize, it is also a place where evil and destruction takes place. Praying for wisdom and discernment as well as ministry opportunities is vital as you proceed towards using the Internet for ministry. 
   
2. Technically
   Like the real world, the virtual cyberworld contains both good and evil.  The unregulated nature of the Internet makes it more difficult to keep illegal and harmful material under control.  To use the Internet safely, it is helpful to understand the risks and protect yourself by educating ourselves. 

Tips for online safety

• Become more computer literate and keep up-to-date on Internet safety issues.
• Place your computer in an open area for accountability.
• Communicate with your family members about online safety.  If you have children, ask them about what the online experiences they and their friends are having.
• Use filtering/blocking:  Filtering technology blocks objectionable sites based on key words.  Blocking technology blocks objectionable sites based on the website addresses of objectionable sites and are regularly updated.