Getting Started Guide

86 Getting Started (features vary by model)
The URL identifies a Web site location, typically in the form http://www.name.extension
(for example, http://www.hp.com). The URL may include the path to a specific file
within that site. Each period, or dot, in the URL separates elements within the address. For
example, you will see the URL extension .com used by companies. When you enter the URL
into your browser address box and press the Enter key on your keyboard, the browser
contacts that location and opens the Web page for you.
Imagine that you are reading a newspaper. On page 1, you may read something like “For
more details, see page 3, column 2.” You turn the page for more information. A hyperlink
on a Web page works the same way, except that you move to the new page by clicking
the hyperlink. The way that a hyperlink links files together is what gives the Web its name,
because the Web weaves together and connects ideas from all over the world.
Your e-mail address identifies the electronic post office box where people can send you
electronic mail. E-mail addresses have the form [e-mail]. The domain is
usually the name of the ISP or organization. The extension usually identifies the type of
organization. For example, if your name is Jane Jones, and XYZ is your ISP, your e-mail
address might be [e-mail], with the extension .com indicating that XYZ is a
company. For information on using e-mail, see “Sending and Receiving E-Mail.”
Using a Browser
A Web browser program searches for and displays Web site information. How you
explore the Internet depends on whether your ISP provides the browser or allows you to
choose your own.
Once you are connected to the Internet, your browser opens the home Web page. You can
go to a different Web site by entering its address (such as http://www.hp.com) into
the address box in the browser, and then pressing Enter on your keyboard. Or you can
use the browser search feature to search for references to a specific word or phrase on
the Web.
Searching the Internet
Most Web browser programs include a search feature. You may need to click a button or
select a menu option to display the search feature, depending on the type of browser
program. Type a question, or a word that describes the information that you want to find,
into the Search box, and then press Enter.
The Windows search feature includes direct use of Internet Explorer Search.
NOTE: If your ISP provides the browser, you may not be able to use Internet Explorer to
search the Internet.