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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, 2009
Bit torrents have become the backbone of P2P file sharing. At the center of this P2P frenzy: the Top 35 Torrent Search Engines of 2009.
Best Torrent Search Engines
Bit torrents are the most popular way to download music and movie files from the Internet. Bit torrent sharing is actually quite easy to learn, and millions of files are downloaded every day through torrent P2P. And at the center of all of this: The 5 Best Torrent Search Engines of 2009...
"What is 'FTW'?"
You see this peculiar expression, "FTW", while participating in online discussions. What exactly does it mean?
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.
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.
How to play cue and dat movies
Are you having problems playing a .rar or .bin or .dat 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.
What is "QFT"?
You see this peculiar expression, "QFT", while participating in online discussions. What exactly does it mean?
What is "Ratware"?
What is "ratware"? What exactly does "ratware" do? About.com explains ratware and how it is the primary tool of email spammers in the USA and Russia...
"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...
Internet Gaming Terminology
You see the peculiar term "leet" around the Internet and in Internet games. Sometimes you see it spelled with numbers, like "1337". But what does leet mean?
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.
The 20 Best Hacker Movies
While none of these movies truly depicts what computer 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...
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...
Internet Abbreviations
The world of Internet conversation abbreviations: BRB, ROFLMAO, TTYL, RTFM, IMHO... what does it all mean?
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 '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.
"What is 'Zip' and 'WinZip'?"
A beginner's explanation of Zip file archives, WinZip software, and how it all works.
"What is 'TLDR'?"
You see this peculiar expression, "TLDR", 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...
PayPal 101
Paypal is great for eBay, and a whole lot more. Read more here...
Internet Abbreviations
The world of Internet conversation abbreviations: BRB, ROFLMAO, TTYL, RTFM, IMHO... what does it all 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?
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 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 "DH"?
People regularly use the strange abbreviation "DH" in forum discussions online. But what exactly does DH mean? About.com explains...
What is "Lolcats"?
Lolcats, also known as "icanhazcheezburger", is a modern Internet phenomenon. Purposely employing bad grammar and poor spelling, lolcats has captured the hearts of animal lovers everywhere. About.com explains more...
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 an "Email Spoof"?
You've heard of "spoofed" emails and websites, but what exactly are they?
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.
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...
The Famous Emoticons Quiz, 2009
Emoticon Quiz -- Question 1 of 10 Which of these "smiley" symbols means "I'm surprised" ? A. :-( B. :-O
What is "Cloud Computing"?
You will hear the expression, "cloud computing", more and more. As the 21st Century marches on, there are going to be fundamental changes to how people use their computers, and cloud computing is destined to be part of that. About.com explains more here...
"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...
What Are Pump and Dump Scams?
Spam email messages will sometimes reach your mailbox, claiming to know about a stock investment that will rapidly grow within days. But these are often scams, and About.com explains how...
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.
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...
Best Student Search Engines
From About.com: the Student's Quick Reference Guide to Internet Research.
"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 ...
"What is 'TMI'?"
You see this peculiar "TMI" expression in online games or in instant messages. But what exactly does "TMI" mean?
Anatomy of an Internet URL
Tutorial: Anatomy of an Internet URL. An explanation for beginning users.
The Best Spyware Cleaners
Here they are: The Best Anti Spyware Tools of 2009! 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...
How to Speak Like a Geek
So, you're tired of those teenage kids knowing more about computers and computer games than you. They speak in an obscure subculture language that is part technical, part expressive. How do you get started in speaking their language? Well, About.com can help you. Here is your crash course in learning to speak "geek" in the gaming world...
What Is a "Meme"?
You have undoubtedly experienced modern Internet memes, but may not be aware of it. Perhaps you have been "Rickrolled", or watched a video of the "Star Wars Kid". All of these, and more, are modern Internet memes. About.com explains memes here...
The 10 Most Useful Web Sites
The Ten Most Useful Web Sites, 2009
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.
Firefox Tips for Power Users
    Firefox Browser Tips A Handbook For "Power Use" of The Hottest New Browser Today Note: Mac 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
"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...
Downloading Music MP3s
Downloading Music MP3s: how Peer-to-Peer File Sharing works, and how the law barely allows it.
The Student's Internet Guide
What every college, university, and high school student should know about successful academic research using the Internet.
"What is 'MT'?"
You see this peculiar expression in online games or in instant messages. But what exactly does it mean?
What is "L2P"?
You see this weird :L2P" expression in online gaming. Players are posting "L2P" to each other in game chat, and you don't know what it means. About.com explains the L2P expression here...
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...
"Why I Help People Download."
Bit Torrent Downloading: An Interview with a Bit Torrent Web Master from ShareTV.org
"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...
What is "DD"?
People regularly use the strange abbreviation "DH" in forum discussions online. But what exactly does DH mean? About.com explains...
Top 35 Torrent Sites 2009
Bit torrents have become the backbone of P2P file sharing. At the center of this P2P frenzy: the Top 35 Torrent Search Engines of 2009.
The Top 10 Freeware Utilities
Editor Picks: Top 10 Freeware Utilities for PC, 2008
The Famous Netiquette Quiz, 2009
The Famous Network Etiquette Quiz of 2009: Are You a Netiquette Bonehead?
What is a virus?
An Internet FAQ: what exactly are viruses, and what does a user need to know about them?
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.
What is "DW"?
People regularly use the strange abbreviation "DW" in forum discussions online. But what exactly does DH mean? About.com explains...
How Fast Can You Download a ...
How long does a small game take to download? A music video or presentation? A 30-minute TV show? Qwest Communications has a download speed chart to help explain...
The Famous Netiquette Quiz, Level 2
The Famous Netiquette Quiz, Level 2: Are You a Netiquette Knucklehead?
What is "DS"?
People regularly use the strange abbreviation "DS" in forum discussions online. But what exactly does DA mean? About.com explains...
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...
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.
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 '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...
15 Addictive Flash Games
Here they are: the 15 most addictive Flash online games, as voted on by the About.com readership.
What exactly does ".com" mean?
Has no one told you what ".com" means? Or ".net"? Find out 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.
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
"What is 'KK'?"
You see this peculiar expression in online games or in instant messages. But what exactly does it mean?
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.
The Coolest Web Sites
Here they are: the "Coolest Web Sites" of 2008, as voted on by About readers.
The Top 10 Internet Scams
The 10 nastiest Internet scams and con games of 2009. See examples and explanations here...
"What is 'PMSL'?"
You see this peculiar expression in online games or in instant messages. But what exactly does it mean?
FAQ: Internet vs. Web
FAQ: What is the difference between the "Internet" and the "World Wide Web" ?
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...
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.
The Top 10 Timewaster Websites
The Ten Best Timewaster Websites, 2009
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...
Google Earth, Explained.
An introduction to one of the most impressive Google products today: searchable satellite photos of the planet.
"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.
Top 10 Web Search Engines
About users vote: The Top 10 Favorite Search Engines & Directories, 2008
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...
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.
How To Stop Popups
Here are the 5 best techniques for blocking and stopping pop-up windows on the Internet.
"What Does 'Yahoo' Stand For?"
Yes, the famous name "Yahoo!" actually stands for something. Here is the explanation...
Net Surfing for Beginners
Internet 101: Beginner's Tutorial, Including Overview of the Internet
What is "IM"?
A quick explanation for new I.M. users.
Internet 101, Lesson 1
Internet 101: Lesson 1 -- Equipment Needed
Definition: Antivirus
Glossary definition of the term "antivirus".
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...
What Is 'Clownshoes'?
You see and hear the expression "clown shoes" in conversations, both in person and online. But what exactly does clown shoes mean? About.com explains...
The Good Search Engines
The Best Search Engines and Directories
IE7 Web Browser Tips
Power User methods for using Internet Explorer 6 or 7. Excellent tutorial for both beginning and intermediate users.
eBay 101: Samples
A free online e-book, from the About.com Network: Beginner's Guide to eBay Basics
The Malware War of 2009
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...
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
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
How Big is the Internet?
FAQ: How Big is the Internet?
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...
"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...
Review: Firefox Browser 2.0
About.com reviews and reports on the latest 1.0.6 Firefox browser from Mozilla
Hoax Photo Samples From The Net
Samples of outrageous hoax pictures and doctored photos on the Internet!
Internet for Beginners - Articles
An index of articles for the Internet for Beginners guide site.
FAQ: What Do Other People Sear
FAQ: What Do Other People Search For On the Net?
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!
Emoticons Quiz Score
Sorry we can not display your score at this time. Your browser may not be JavaScript enabled or you may
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...
Ten Thumbs Typing Software
Good typing training software: "Ten Thumbs" by Runtime Revolution.
"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...
WinMX 2005 Review
WinMX: an introductory article on music-sharing and the legalities of using the WinMX MP3 download program.
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
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...
Internet Acronyms Quiz, Level 1
The Acronym Quiz Level 1, Easy Internet Acronyms (5 questions)   Related: Acronym Quiz, Level 2 Related
Email Tutorials
Email Essentials: basics for newbies, and intermediate and advanced tips for users who want to message more effectively.
The Top 10 Internet Viruses
Compiled Server Log Statistics from Postini and ClickZ.com
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...
Firefox Handbook
Firefox Browser Handbook: Beginner and Intermediate Guidance on the slickest new browser today.
How Dial-Up Acceleration Works.
How Dial-up Acceleration Servers Work: An Illustration. ( Click here for the full explanation on "Speeding
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.
Estimating Download Times
How long does a small game take to download? A music video or presentation? A 30-minute TV show? Qwest Communications has a download speed chart to help explain...
Organizing IE Favorites
Tutorial: Organizing Favorites in IE6 or IE7
"What is 'Chixor'?"
You see this peculiar term, "chixor", or its variant "chix0r"...but what does it mean. About.com explains here...
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: "Attachment"
Glossary Definition: "Attachment" and "File Attachment"
Definition: "Download"
Glossary of Internet Terminology, from the About Network: "download"
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...
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...
Internet Acronyms Quiz, Level 2
The Acronym Quiz Level 2, Basic Internet Acronyms (5 questions) Related: Acronym Quiz, Level 1 Related
Definition: "Emoticons"
Glossary of Internet Terminology, from the About Network: "Emoticon"
Definition: "Firewall"
"Firewall" is used to describe specialized software and/or hardware that...
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...
P2P Downloading in France
Spring 2006: another victory for peer-to-peer file sharing! It is no longer a criminal offense to download music for personal use in France. Read more details here...
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.

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