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Internet for Beginners: Most Popular Articles

These articles are the most popular over the last month.
The Top 35 Torrent Sites, 2008
Now more popular than Kazaa, Limewire, Grokster, and eDonkey, Bit Torrents have succeeded Napster as the backbone of P2P. At the center of this P2P frenzy: the Top 35 Torrent Search Engines of 2008.
Best Torrent Search Engines
Torrents are the latest way to download music and movie files from the Internet. Quickly becoming more popular than Kazaa and Limewire, BitTorrent sharing is actually quite easy to learn. And at the center of all of this controversy: The 5 Best Torrent Search Engines of 2008...
The Best Torrent Software
Here they are: the best BitTorrent software P2P packages for downloading on the Torrent network (both PC and Mac platforms)
"How Do I Play .Daa Files?"
.daa files are a special form of CD-DVD "emulation" files. It requires a special converter to view, create, or convert these files for viewing on your computer.
"What is 'FTW'?"
You see this peculiar expression, "FTW", while participating in online discussions. What exactly does it mean?
Internet Beginner's Handbook
Here is your "owner's manual" to the Internet: a collection of tutorials and guiding advice for new Internet users. From executive summary, to basic and intermediate searching, to network etiquette and online communities. An excellent resource for anyone new to the Internet and the World Wide Web!
"What is 'Web 2.0'?"
You hear this expression "Web 2.0" more and more. People at the office use it, and it is all over the internet news. But what exactly is Web 2.0? About.com explains here...
The 20 Best Hacker Movies
While none of these movies depict what hacking truly involves, each of these stories is memorable in some way as good escapist fiction. Here they are: The 20 Best Hacker Movies, as voted on by a panel of opinionated judges...
The 10 Most Useful Web Sites
The Ten Most Useful Web Sites, 2008
Internet Phishing Scam, eg. 1
Have you wondered if that email is legitimate? Is that login screen for real? Sadly, these are often scams and "phishing" cons that lure you into divulging your access codes and account numbers online. Don't get fooled by these clever con artists... here are examples of what Internet and email scams and phishing cons look like.
How to play .bin & .rar files
Are you having problems playing a .rar or .bin file movie? Frustrated over why your 24-hour download isn't showing for you? Here is the explanation of how to play downloaded movies in .bin, .cue, and .rar format.
The Famous Netiquette Quiz, Level 2
The Famous Netiquette Quiz, Level 2: Are You a Netiquette Knucklehead?
Top 5 Internet Radio Stations
Highspeed Internet has opened up a world of music possibilities for music fans. Radio stations from around the world can now play on your Internet computer. And of these Internet radio stations, here are the 5 best radio stations worth dialing into...
Lock Down Your PC!
Broadband home users beware: you are targets for hackers and crackers! Have you changed your guest account, enabled ICF service, configured your restricted folders, and retooled your admin login? If not, then you better read this Survival Guide...
Speed Up Torrent Downloads
If you are tired of slow torrent download speeds, then here is one setting that can increase your torrent download speed by up to 5x.
PayPal 101
A beginner's tutorial explaining PayPal.com, how it works, and why millions of people use PayPal to make online purchases.
What is the "Invisible Web"?
90% of the Internet is "invisible" to search engines. As of August 2007, over 220 billion web pages cannot be found through Google or Yahoo or Ask.com. Oddly, this invisible content is the most interesting part of the Internet. Here is the explanation...
How Torrents Work
It's the latest way to download music and movie files from the internet. Quickly becoming more popular than Kazaa and eDonkey, BitTorrent sharing is actually quite easy to learn. Here is a 10-minute tutorial on Using BitTorrents.
What is a "Hacker"?
So what exactly is a hacker? A haxor? A hax0r? Are they all the same terms? About.com explains here...
Internet Abbreviations
The world of Internet conversation abbreviations: BRB, ROFLMAO, TTYL, RTFM, IMHO... what does it all mean?
Downloading Music MP3s
Downloading Music MP3s: how Peer-to-Peer File Sharing works, and how the law barely allows it.
eBay Do's and Don'ts
Buying and selling on eBay is not difficult, but it does demand a savvy "buyer beware" attitude, and a forthright attitude of honesty. Compiled from years of eBay experience, here is the Do's and Don'ts list for Beginning eBayers.
Internet Phishing Scam, eg 2
Have you wondered if that email is legitimate? Is that login screen for real? Sadly, these are often scams and "phishing" cons that lure you into divulging your access codes and account numbers online. Don't get fooled by these clever con artists... here are examples of what Internet and email scams and phishing cons look like.
The Top 10 Freeware Utilities
Editor Picks: Top 10 Freeware Utilities for PC, 2008
How to play cue and dat movies
Here is the explanation of how to play downloaded movies in .dat, .bin, .cue, and .rar format.
The Best Spyware Cleaners
Here they are: The Best Anti Spyware Tools of 2008! There are some old friends here, but a couple of new players have joined the fray and set a new standard in the War on Malware. Read more here...
"What is 'TLDR'?"
You see this peculiar expression, "TLDR", while participating in online discussions. What exactly does it mean?
"What is SSL? What is SSH?"
You see these odd technical expressions around the Net. Techie guys say "we use full SSL for our shopping carts" or "our network administrators use full SSH management techniques". But what exactly do these terms mean?
"Why I Help People Download."
Bit Torrent Downloading: An Interview with a Bit Torrent Web Master from ShareTV.org
The Student's Internet Guide
What every college, university, and high school student should know about successful academic research using the World Wide Web.
"What is 'Zip' and 'WinZip'?"
A beginner's explanation of Zip file archives, WinZip software, and how it all works.
How to Make a Good Password
Has no one ever explained to you the secrets to a strong password? Here are several examples of strong passwords, and how you can create your own...
What is "IM"?
A quick explanation for new I.M. users.
Digg.com: Be a "Digger"!
They are a fast-growing group of thinking people who vote on what Internet news is best for their interests. "Diggers" are conscientious Internet users who vote on the value of thousands of news articles every day. Read how it works here...
"What is 'DRM'?"
DRM, short for "Digital Rights Management", is any technology that helps copyright owners prevent the duplication of their digital files. This is particularly used for music and movies.
Essentials for eBay Success
Tips and advice for the motivated eBayer: a comprehensive quick reference to Power Buying and Power Selling at eBay and eBaymotors.
"What is 'TMI'?"
You see this peculiar "TMI" expression in online games or in instant messages. But what exactly does "TMI" mean?
"What is 'ASP'?"
The people at the office keep talking about "ASP's will reduce our costs" and "you'll love the new ASP tool we just bought". But what exactly does all this stuff mean? About.com explains ASP's here...
Top 12 Free Internet Downloads
Here they are: the 12 most useful free downloads on the Internet this year, as voted on by a panel of semi-scientific computer geeks.
Anatomy of an Internet URL
Tutorial: Anatomy of an Internet URL. An explanation for beginning users.
Plug-Ins 101
"Plug-Ins 101" is a quick tutorial for explaining the top 11 Internet browser plug-ins, and how to find and install them. Brought to you by your About Guide to Internet for Beginners
Internet Acronyms Quiz, Level 2
The Acronym Quiz Level 2, Basic Internet Acronyms (5 questions) Related: Acronym Quiz, Level 1 Related
Organizing IE Favorites
Tutorial: Organizing Favorites in IE6 or IE7
Unzipping Files
Zip Files: How to Unzip Them With the Right Software. A beginner's explanation of Zip file archives, WinZip software, and how it all works.
Emoticons and Smileys 101
Emoticons are modern day hieroglyphs. These "emotional icons" are used as creative shorthand in email conversations to convey emotion and style. Here is a list of both the common and the creative emoticons used today.
Best Student Search Engines
From About.com: the Student's Quick Reference Guide to Internet Research.
Review: Firefox Browser 2.0
About.com reviews and reports on the latest 1.0.6 Firefox browser from Mozilla
Internet Acronyms Quiz, Level 1
The Acronym Quiz Level 1, Easy Internet Acronyms (5 questions)   Related: Acronym Quiz, Level 2 Related
How Do I Remove Cookies?
If you are concerned about web sites being able to track your repeated visits, then here is how to erase and prevent "cookies" in your web browser...
eBay 101
For the new eBayer: a free online e-book reference from the About Network - The Learner's Guide to eBay.com and eBaymotors.com
The Good Search Engines
The Best Search Engines and Directories
"What is 'RSS'?"
Also known as "Really Simple Syndication", RSS is the best way to satisfy your info-junkie cravings. Read how it works here...
P2P Peer Guardian
PeerGuardian is a powerful firewall product designed for P2P users to protect their computers from unauthorized searches by private agencies and corporations like the RIAA, MPAA, or MediaDefender.
Internet Lottery Scam, eg 1
Have you wondered if that email is legitimate? Is that login screen for real? Sadly, these are often scams and "phishing" cons that lure you into divulging your access codes and account numbers online. Don't get fooled by these clever con artists... here are examples of what Internet and email scams and phishing cons look like.
"What is 'MUTE' File Sharing?"
"MUTE" File Sharing is an emerging online network dedicated to private downloading. The users of Mute are masked, and their identities are concealed from each other.
Launching New IE Windows
IE User Tip: Opening Links in New Windows
DVD +R and DVD-R 101
There is a difference between DVD+R and DVD-R media, and this article explains how. Brought to you by your About Guide to Internet for Beginners.
The Top 10 Timewaster Websites
The Ten Best Timewaster Websites, 2008
The Coolest Web Sites
Here they are: the "Coolest Web Sites" of 2007-2008, as voted on by About readers.
eBay 101: Samples
A free online e-book, from the About Network: Beginner's Guide to eBay Basics
The Top 15 Reference Web Sites
The Top 15 Reference Web Sites of 2008
The Very Best Computer Wallpaper, 2007
The Very Best Computer Wallpaper The Top 5 Free Wallpaper Sites of 2007 Wallpaper is such a personal
What is "QFT"?
You see this peculiar expression, "QFT", while participating in online discussions. What exactly does it mean?
Digital Anonymity
The RIAA and other digital investigators can trace people's computers. Even worse, outside of North America, oppressive non-democratic countries will eavesdrop on web surfers. This eavesdropping affects anyone online who desires privacy: people in government-oppressed countries, people who participate in chats on abuse or political conscience, whistleblowers and their journalistic contacts, and workers in politcally volatile countries. Here is one way you can maintain your privacy...
Hacking Firefox For Speed
If you can follow some simple hacking instructions, here are three tips to get Firefox 1.0.x performing faster for you, regardless of your bandwidth...
"What is 'Codec'?"
"Codec" is a technical term for the "compression/decompression" of large downloadble files. Commonly associated with music and movie files transmitted through the Internet, codec works like this...
Internet Abbreviations
The world of Internet conversation abbreviations: BRB, ROFLMAO, TTYL, RTFM, IMHO... what does it all mean?
The Top 10 Internet Scams
The 10 nastiest Internet scams and con games of 2008. See examples and explanations here...
Faster Dial-Up Modem Speeds!
Are you stuck with a slow dial-up Internet connection? Short of getting high-speed bandwidth, here is a compression-proxy solution that will get you six- to ten-times regular modem speed while still using your modem connection.
How Big is the Internet?
FAQ: How Big is the Internet?
"What is an 'IP Address'?"
You see this "ip address" expression more and more. Your computer has an ip address, your phone has an ip address. Even Coke machines have ip addresses. But what exactly is an "ip address"? About.com explains here...
Firefox Tips for Power Users
    Firefox Browser Tips A Handbook For "Power Use" of The Hottest New Browser Today Note: Mac users
Google Earth, Explained.
An introduction to one of the most impressive Google products today: searchable satellite photos of the planet.
Install Tor Privacy Software
If you wish to conceal your digital identity during your online time, then here is a tremendous solution. The "Tor" Network is a system where thousands of computers are tasked to hide and conceal the addresses of its Internet users. Here is how you join the Tor Network...
The Famous Netiquette Quiz, 2008
The Famous Network Etiquette Quiz of 2008: Are You a Netiquette Bonehead?
15 Addictive Flash Games
Here they are: the 15 most addictive Flash online games, as voted on by the About.com readership.
"What is 'KK'?"
You see this peculiar expression in online games or in instant messages. But what exactly does it mean?
"What is 'PMSL'?"
You see this peculiar expression in online games or in instant messages. But what exactly does it mean?
What exactly does ".com" mean?
Has no one told you what ".com" means? Or ".net"? Find out here...
"What Does 'Yahoo' Stand For?"
Yes, the famous name "Yahoo!" actually stands for something. Here is the explanation...
How To Stop Popups
Here are the 5 best techniques for blocking and stopping pop-up windows on the Internet, 2007.
"What is 'pwned'?"
"Pwned" is an internet term that originated in the hacker subculture, and has grown to widespread use in gaming culture. "To be pwned" means ...
WinMX 2005 Review
WinMX: an introductory article on music-sharing and the legalities of using the WinMX MP3 download program.
Top 10 Web Search Engines
About users vote: The Top 10 Favorite Search Engines & Directories, 2008
The Malware War of 2008
Spyware is the greatest threat facing Internet users today. Combining the infestation qualities of viruses, with the twisted genius of purposeful programming, these rogue "malware" programs will log your keystrokes, hijack your browser, spam you, serve up porn, and cause you pop-up and phishing grief. Don't let spyware win! Read the latest defense strategy here...
How Music Pirates Get Caught
Yes, Internetizens. Music downloaders are caught and prosecuted weekly. In the USA, England, Australia, Canada, and other parts of the world, the RIAA and MPAA and other authorities take people to court and fine them big money. Here is how it works...
Get the New WinMX
The RIAA has successfully shut down winmxworld.com. Here is how you can get your copy of the software, if you hurry, and ressurect the legal P2P aspects of WinMX.
FAQ: Internet vs. Web
FAQ: What is the difference between the "Internet" and the "World Wide Web" ?
Net Surfing for Beginners
Internet 101: Beginner's Tutorial, Including Overview of the Internet
Hoax Photo Samples From The Net
Samples of outrageous hoax pictures and doctored photos on the Internet!
Outsmart Those Online Hoaxes!
Have you received a hoax forward, or an email con attempting to learn your personal info? If so, then here is a list of resources you can report to, and take a stand against this falsehood and Internet crime!
Hack Attack!
Jacques Erasmus is a "white hat" hacker... a once-dishonorable craftsman who has now chosen to work for the protection of corporate networks. Here is a video of how Windows XP gets hacked, and Jacques explains the steps...
IE7 Web Browser Tips
Power User methods for using Internet Explorer 6 or 7. Excellent tutorial for both beginning and intermediate users.
Fliqz.com Video Hosting
Finally, a reliable service for amateur video camera users! Fliqz.com is about the selective sharing of your amateur movies. Unlike YouTube and Google Video, Fliqz lets you decide who gets to see your movies. So if your brother just did his first skydive, or your daughter just took her first steps, or maybe you got some great footage of yourself in motorcycle training class, Fliqz is where you can upload and share your movies with your friends and family through the Web...
Internet 101, Lesson 1
Internet 101: Lesson 1 -- Equipment Needed
Internet for Beginners - Articles
An index of Articles for the Internet for Beginners guide site.
DVD Discs: +R Versus -R
A semi-technical explanation of DVD media, and how these special cousins to compact discs are changing how we store music and video.
Configuring MUTE for Routers
"MUTE" File Sharing is an emerging online network dedicated to private downloading. The users of MUTE are masked, and their identities are concealed from each other. Here is how to configure your router for MUTE networking...
Hoax Photo Samples On The Net, Pg. 3
Hoax Photos From The Internet Some Common Samples of Doctored or Misrepresented Photos Page 3 of 3 Click
How Does MUTE Work?
"MUTE" File Sharing is an emerging online network dedicated to private downloading. The users of Mute are masked, and their identities are concealed from each other. Here is how it all works...
"What is 'MT'?"
You see this peculiar expression in online games or in instant messages. But what exactly does it mean?
How Does MUTE Protect Me?
"MUTE" File Sharing is an emerging online network dedicated to private downloading. The users of Mute are masked, and their identities are concealed from each other. Here is how it all works...
Definition: Antivirus
Glossary definition of the term "antivirus".
Ten Thumbs Typing Software
Good typing training software: "Ten Thumbs" by Runtime Revolution.
Hoax Photo Samples On The Net, Pg. 2
Hoax Photos From The Internet Some Common Samples of Doctored or Misrepresented Photos Page 2 of 3 Click
FAQ: What Do Other People Sear
FAQ: What Do Other People Search For On the Net?
How to Install MUTE
"MUTE" File Sharing is an emerging online network dedicated to private downloading. The users of MUTE are masked, and their identities are concealed from each other. Here is how to install MUTE software for yourself...
Don't Google...Stumble!
StumbleUpon.com is a special free web navigation service. Instead of using library science and Google indexing, Stumble Upon is based on a community of users who share their personal interest suggestions with each other. A very intelligent and very useful way to surf the web...
Firefox: Blocking Popups
As good as Firefox browser is, its many plug-ins will still allow popup windows to appear. Even if you toggle the "block popup windows" option, these annoying windows will still appear. Not anymore, once you learn this special trick...
The Internet Celebrities Quiz, 2008
The Internet Celebrities Quiz, 2008 Page 1 of 5 Question 1 Who is this famous man? A. Lawrence Page B.
Email Tutorials
Email Essentials: basics for newbies, and intermediate and advanced tips for users who want to message more effectively.
"What is a 'Domain Name'?"
Web addressing can be so confusing. There are domain names vs. ip addresses vs. URL's, and no one has explained them to you. Don't fear, friends, About.com is here to help you understand this topic...
How Dial-Up Acceleration Works.
How Dial-up Acceleration Servers Work: An Illustration. ( Click here for the full explanation on "Speeding
Quiz Results: The Famous Netiquette Quiz, Level 2
Thanks for taking our quiz about example.
Firefox Tips for Power Users, Page 2
    Firefox Browser Tips, Page 2 Back to First Page Note: Mac users substitute Open Apple for ALT, and
Firefox Handbook
Firefox Browser Handbook: Beginner and Intermediate Guidance on the slickest new browser today.
Definition: "Firewall"
"Firewall" is used to describe specialized software and/or hardware that...
Emoticons Quiz Score
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Top 20 Articles of 2007
Here they are: the Top 20 Articles at About Internet for Beginners, 2007
FAQ: Email vs. IM vs. Forums
Has no one explained the difference to you? Try this short but informative explanation: Email vs. Instant Messaging vs. Discussion Forums vs. Chat
CyberDefender Anti-Phishing
While there is no mature technology that defends against phishing web sites yet, CyberDefender has set the first benchmark with its new Cyberdefender Toolbar freeware. This plug-in software is a competent tool that is earning respect across the planet.
adware
Read the definition of "adware" here.
Internet Gaming 101
The funnest article you will ever read, this is dedicated to helping beginners enjoy the free and paid games available on the Internet!
IE Handbook
Take charge of your Internet Explorer Web Browser: Open URLs quickly, control your bookmarks, run full screen mode, enhance your toolbars, spawn new windows, run multiple browsers, and more! Excellent information for both beginners and experienced Internet users.
"What is 'Flash'?"
You hear about "Flash" web sites, and you know that you should install something called "Flash Player". But what exactly is "Flash"? About.com explains...
The Internet Celebrities Quiz, 2008, Page 2
The Internet Celebrities Quiz, 2008 Page 2 of 5 ( back to Page 1 ) Question 4 Which two Steves founded
Definition: "Cache"
Glossary of Internet Terminology, from the About Network: "cache"
"What is 'Chixor'?"
You see this peculiar term, "chixor", or its variant "chix0r"...but what does it mean. About.com explains here...
What is a virus?
An Internet FAQ: what exactly are viruses, and what does a user need to know about them?
Definition: "Attachment"
Glossary Definition: "Attachment" and "File Attachment"
Definition: "Emoticons"
Glossary of Internet Terminology, from the About Network: "Emoticon"
Top 10 Gifts for Internet Computer Geeks!
The Top 10 Gadgets For The Internet Geek In Your Life.
Meet Uber Gamer, Dave S.
He is not only a longtime fan of World of Warcraft online, but he is also the About.com Guide to Internet Games. Meet a true hardcore gamer who has managed to strike a rare balance of real life and virtual life...
The Internet Celebrities Quiz, 2008, Page 3
The Internet Celebrities Quiz, 2008 Page 3 of 5 ( back to Page 1 ) Question 7 David Filo and Jerry Yang
The Top 10 Internet Viruses
Compiled Server Log Statistics from Postini and ClickZ.com
Gifts for Internet Computer Geeks, Page 2
The Top 10 Gadgets For The Internet Geek In Your Life.
"What Exactly is a Mashup?"
You hear this "mashup" expression being used by techie friends of yours. They talk about "oh, that is such an awesome mashup". But what exactly does "mashup" mean? About.com explains mashups here...
Grokster Case, Explained
In June of 2005, the US Supreme Court ruled against Grokster and StreamCast for promoting piracy, and demanded they pay damages to the MPAA and RIAA. Yet this court ruling was a huge win for file sharing. How? Read the explanation here...

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