Note - we are still constructing - not even half-way through - apologies!

And here we start...

(We will try and remember to explain all the so-called buzz-words on the fly by putting them in curlies like {this} after the abbreviation/buzz-word)

If you are reading here you are already doing something on the Web, which is why we are not going to tell you how to do it like one would teach a class of idiots. There are also more than enough places explaning where the Internet/web etc are coming from, how it originated, whodunnits etc.

Naturally, there are also present the fair share (maybe more than-) of smart guys on the Net.

So too the con men (con persons - we are South Africans)

Before we start then, a few caveats:

   Watch out for sites that can blow the horn but are too scared to list real prices. There is always a reason....

   Careful giving your e-mail address too easily - you might be spawning a load of spam - junk e-mail - lots of it.

   If you really MUST enter your credit card number, make absolutely sure that your browser confirms you are in 'secure' mode. It is preferable to fax your details to who-ever wants it.

   Free stuff normally has a price in a form other than money. Terms are, among other, advertising, advertising, advertising, and advertising. Some most annoying, some unbearable.

   Unless you are filthy-brained, stay away from words like 'cheat', 'serial', 'crack', 'hack' and plurals like 'cheatz' and 'serialz' (note the 'z'). Sometimes these key words, and many others, lead to ways and means to cheat in games, crack codes to 'legitimise' pirate software etc. Unfortunately they may also lead to the most disgusting things on the Net.

   Download and install Parental Control Software if you have kids - mostly very good stuff.

Introduction

As mentioned, you are probably already surfing the Net if you are reading here, alternatively someone else is allowing you to read over his/her shoulder. Whatever - the most likely scenario is that you are a customer of some or other ISP {Internet Service Provider}, giving you a dial-up number or POP {Point of Presence} number to call and connect to the Internet. That will be to his computers hosting his customers' sites. For example, this page is part of the webwize site hosted by a major company - not ourselves.

The ISPs normally (in South Africa) work via SAIX {South African Internet Exchange}, which in turn buys and makes available bandwidth on local and overseas lines to the local ISPs.

It is easy to get this kind of service from ISPs. Some provide you with a 'starter kit' or 'starter pack' offering varying periods of free access, whereafter monthly payments round about R100 is required. Some actually offer Pay as you Use facilities - pretty useful if you have a cellphone from a certain network - your e-mail (part of the message) gets displayed on the phone. At least you don't have to dial in to find out if you have e-mail.

Click here to see one good example.

Our aim is not to mess around with the Net - we are working toward Internet Exposure. On the following pages.

Last modified on Tuesday, May 04, 1999