The Internet: The Missing Manual - Softcover

"Guides to the internet are becoming as common as website pages in a search result list, but with O'Reilly behind this particular title, IWR decided to take a closer look. O'Reilly is at the forefront of technology publishing and has a knack of explaining things clearly. Could this book live up to its title? The consumer focus gives the book a bright and breezy style, both in its writing and its design. Lots of box-out texts have been incorporated to provide clear definitions of technology, all of which help add to the usability of the title. Even the index is theme-based rather than following a set pattern. Although this isn't a book for the information professional to read and inwardly digest, it does come up with some great metaphors to help explain how the internet and the technology behind works and accompanies them with some excellent definitions. Those facets alone make The Missing Manual a useful resource title for teaching information usage." - Mark Chillingworth, Information World Review, January2007

The Internet is almost synonymous with change--that's one of its charms, and one of its headaches. You may think you know the Internet, but are you really up to speed on internet telephones, movie and TV downloading, blogging, gaming, online banking, dating, and photosharing?

This utterly current book covers:

Getting Online. Readers will have all the information they need to decide what kind of broadband connection works best for them, which browser they should use, and what kind of spyware-fighting and virus-and spam-protection measures they need to protect themselves.

Finding Information. Google may be the leading search site, but it's certainly not the only game in town. This book introduces a diverse and useful collection of sites that help uncover everything from health care information, to shopping, travel and finance, to dependable reviews and ratings.

Movies, music, and photos. The Web's teeming with entertainment--and not just the sort of postage-stamp sized videos that only a geek could love. Learn where to download movies, watch TV online, listen to music, play games, and post and share photos with friends.

Keeping in touch. Email's only the beginning. This book introduces readers to the many tools that make the modern Internet such a great way to stay connected. From Web-based discussion groups to instant messaging programs, and from blogs and podcasts to Internet-based phone calls, this book will help you join the conversation.

Ideal for anyone just venturing into cyberspace, this book is also perfect for more experienced users who could use an update to today's most exciting internet applications.