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Ideas/Section-8
The Internet Is Like
Cable-TV
That You Can Only Watch
Using A Computer
AUTHOR'S NOTE: I stopped describing the Internet as "an interconnected
network of networks" when I realized how abstract it sounded,
like describing the color "magenta" to a blind person.
Likewise, we at Brandel refrain from giving lectures on the history
of the Internet because, depending on whose version you hear, its
history is both confusing and complex. Furthermore, its history
is quite irrelevant now its past has very little to do with its
future.
Whenever a new-client asks, "What is the Internet? How do I
get it on my computer? What can I see on the Internet?", I
try to answer these questions from a point of view that our clients
are already familiar with. In most cases, we compare the Internet
to Cable-TV Since most of us are already familiar with what Cable-
TV is and how it works, this analogy helps give our clients a better
visual picture of how the Internet really touches our lives.
Just think about it...
Everyday, we hear clients saying, "I don't want to know how
it works. I just want to know how it'll work for me." So, we
searched to find a common ground by which to describe the Internet
World Wide Web to our clients. We looked at the average household
to determine what people already have that can be compared to the
Web. The best one we found was Cable TV
At present, the Web delivers graphics, text, and audio. In the future,
the availability of higher bandwidth telephone lines will enable
us to show videos on the Web. As an owner of an Internet-related
business, you have to think of your average consumer and consider
these similarities ...
WATCHING TV = WATCHING PC
To be able to watch Cable TV, you need two things: You need to have
a TV set and you need service from your local cable company. To
be able to view the Internet World Wide Web, you need two things:
You need a computer and you need service from an Internet access
provider.
CABLE LINES = PHONE LINES
While you receive Cable TV at your home via cable wires, you receive
Internet service at your home or office via the telephone lines.
TV SHOWS = WEB PAGES
On TV, you watch a combination of sound and moving pictures called
"TV shows". On the Internet, you view a combination of
text and graphics arranged in what are called "Web Pages"
or homepages.
TV CHANNEL = WEBSITE
To view a program on TV, you use a Channel. To view a Home Page
on any Web Site on the Internet, you use a Website Address. TV Channels
are numeric, like 4, 7, 11, 25, Etc. On the other hand, a Website
Address is based on the website's name. Examples ...
* http://www.adpages.com/usa1
* http://www.telepages.com /usa1
CHOOSING A NAME FOR YOUR WEBSITE
All Websites have names. It is how they are distinguished from one
another. When you order a Website, you have to give it a unique
name. The name you choose for your Web Site also serves as its address.
For example, if your name is Bob and you want to name your site
"bobnet", your Website address will be.... http://www.adpages.com/bobnet
When choosing a name for your Web Site one critical decision you'll
have to make is to determine which market (group of advertisers)
to target. It doesn't matter whether this is your first time to
hear about Web Sites, or you are already a Web Site pro. Choosing
the right name for your Website will influence the success of your
business.
If you live in Florida and would like to focus your entire Website
to businesses in the travel industry (hotels, restaurants, theme
parks, etc.) you can call your Web Site "VISITFLA".
Your Web Site address will be... http://www. adpages. com / visitfla
If you want your Web Site to feature doctors
in the 305 area code, you can name your Website "DR305".
That makes your address .. ... http://www. adpages. com / dr305
If you want to make your Web Site into a mail order catalog, you
can name it based on the type of products your Web Site will be
featuring. Some examples ...
http://www. adpages. com / crafts
http://www. adpages. com / mymall
http://www. adpages. com / mystore
http://www. adpages. com / videos
http://www. adpages. com / excotica
Choosing a name for your Web Site dictates what type of Website
it is. Often times, based exclusively on the name of your Website,
a business owner will decide whether or not his business should
place a Homepage on your Website
