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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)
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.
What Is 'Port Forwarding'?
You hear about 'port forwarding' as a way to improve your download and game speeds, but what exactly is port forwarding? About.com explains how port forwards work, and where you can get information on configuring your own computer ports...
"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 '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 ...
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 'QFT'?
You see this peculiar expression, "QFT", while participating in online discussions. What exactly does it mean?
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...
Internet Abbreviations
The world of Internet conversation abbreviations: BRB, ROFLMAO, TTYL, RTFM, IMHO... what does it all mean?
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?
What Is Spam '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 a "Hacker"?
So what exactly is a hacker? A haxor? A hax0r? Are they all the same terms? About.com explains here...
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.
What is an "Email Spoof"?
You've heard of "spoofed" emails and websites, but what exactly are they?
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...
"What is 'TLDR'?"
You see this peculiar expression, "TLDR", while participating in online discussions. What exactly does it mean?
"What is 'Chixor'?"
You see this peculiar term, "chixor", or its variant "chix0r"...but what does it mean. About.com explains here...
What is "DH"?
People regularly use the strange abbreviation "DH" in forum discussions online. But what exactly does DH mean? About.com explains...
How to play cue and dat movies
Here is the explanation of how to play downloaded movies in .bin, .cue, and .rar format.
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.
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...
"What is 'KK'?"
You see this peculiar expression in online games or in instant messages. But what exactly does it mean?
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...
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...
Best Student Search Engines
From About.com: the Student's Quick Reference Guide to Internet Research.
What Is 'Scareware'?
The New York Times reports that a Russian operation is earning an estimated $5 million a year selling fake antivirus software, or "scareware." What exactly is scareware, and how does the scam work? About.com explains here...
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...
PayPal 101
A beginner's tutorial explaining PayPal.com, how it works, and why millions of people use PayPal to make online purchases.
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...
How Do Spammers Get My Email?
Have you ever wondered how spam solicitors find your email address? About.com explains how...
"What is 'Zip' and 'WinZip'?"
A beginner's explanation of Zip file archives, WinZip software, and how it all works.
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...
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...
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.
RSS - 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...
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...
"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...
"What is 'MT'?"
You see this peculiar expression in online games or in instant messages. But what exactly does it mean?
"What is 'TMI'?"
You see this peculiar "TMI" expression in online games or in instant messages. But what exactly does "TMI" mean?
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 Famous Emoticons Quiz, 2009
Emoticon Quiz -- Question 1 of 10 Which of these "smiley" symbols means "I'm surprised" ? A. :-( B. :-O
What is NWT? What is NWOT?
"So what exactly does 'NWT' and 'NWOT' stand for? What does it mean?"
CTRL-Enter Browser Shortcut
There is a very useful way to type an Internet URL addres quickly. By using CTRL-Enter, you can type the beginning and end of a common URL address. About.com explains...
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.
Anatomy of an Internet URL
Tutorial: Anatomy of an Internet URL. An explanation for beginning users.
"What is 'PMSL'?"
You see this peculiar expression in online games or in instant messages. But what exactly does it 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 '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?
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...
What is "DS"?
People regularly use the strange abbreviation "DS" in forum discussions online. But what exactly does DA 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...
What is "DD"?
People regularly use the strange abbreviation "DH" in forum discussions online. But what exactly does DH mean? About.com explains...
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.
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.
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 '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 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!
Internet Phishing Scam, Example 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 '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...
Internet Lottery Scam, example 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.
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...
"Why I Help People Download."
Bit Torrent Downloading: An Interview with a Bit Torrent Web Master from ShareTV.org
Internet Phishing Scam, example 4
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 Internet Scams
The 10 nastiest Internet scams and con games of 2009. See examples and explanations here...
What is "IM"?
A quick explanation for new I.M. users.
What is "DW"?
People regularly use the strange abbreviation "DW" in forum discussions online. But what exactly does DH mean? About.com explains...
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...
What is "Proc"?
"proc" is both a gamer noun and verb that hails from programming. It describes random events in computer gaming. About.com explains...
Internet Job Offer Scam, example 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.
FAQ: Internet vs. Web
FAQ: What is the difference between the "Internet" and the "World Wide Web" ?
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 exactly does ".com" mean?
Has no one told you what ".com" means? Or ".net"? Find out here...
Downloading Music MP3s
Downloading Music MP3s: how Peer-to-Peer File Sharing works, and how the law barely allows it.
15 Addictive Flash Games
Here they are: the 15 most addictive Flash online games, as voted on by the About.com readership.
The 10 Most Useful Web Sites
The Ten Most Useful Web Sites, 2009
The Top 10 Timewaster Websites
The Ten Best Timewaster Websites, 2009
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.
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.
The Student's Internet Guide
What every college, university, and high school student should know about successful academic research using the Internet.
The Very Best Computer Wallpaper, 2007
The Very Best Computer Wallpaper The Top 5 Free Wallpaper Sites of 2007 Wallpaper is such a personal
Internet Investment Scam, example 5
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 Famous Netiquette Quiz, 2009
The Famous Network Etiquette Quiz of 2009: Are You a Netiquette Bonehead?
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.
The Coolest Web Sites
Here they are: the "Coolest Web Sites" of 2008, as voted on by About readers.
What Does 'Yahoo' Stand For?
Yes, the famous name "Yahoo!" actually stands for something. Here is the explanation...
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...
Definition: Antivirus
Glossary definition of the term "antivirus".
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 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...
"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.
Firefox Tips for Power Users
    Firefox Browser Tips A Handbook For "Power Use" of The Hottest New Browser Today Note: Mac users
What Is 'VOIP'?
You hear about people using the Internet as a telephone service, and how it can save hundreds of dollars in phone bills. But what exactly is 'VOIP', and how does it work?
Top 10 Web Search Engines
About users vote: The Top 10 Favorite Search Engines and Directories, 2008
How To Stop Popups
Here are the 5 best techniques for blocking and stopping pop-up windows on the Internet.
The Good Search Engines
The Best Search Engines and Directories
Internet Acronyms Quiz, Level 1
The Acronym Quiz Level 1, Easy Internet Acronyms (5 questions)   Related: Acronym Quiz, Level 2 Related
Internet 101, Lesson 1
Internet 101: Lesson 1 -- Equipment Needed
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...
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
Internet Acronyms Quiz, Level 2
The Acronym Quiz Level 2, Basic Internet Acronyms (5 questions) Related: Acronym Quiz, Level 1 Related
IE7 Web Browser Tips
Power User methods for using Internet Explorer 6 or 7. Excellent tutorial for both beginning and intermediate users.
The Top 10 Freeware Utilities
Editor Picks: Top 10 Freeware Utilities for PC: home page hijackers talented programmers software choices cacheman paid software
The Famous Netiquette Quiz, Level 2
The Famous Netiquette Quiz, Level 2: Are You a Netiquette Knucklehead?
Review: Firefox Browser 2.0
About.com reviews and reports on the latest 1.0.6 Firefox browser from Mozilla
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...
eBay 101: Samples
A free online e-book, from the About.com Network: Beginner's Guide to eBay Basics
What is 'leet'?
What exactly does 'leet' or '1337' mean?
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 '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...
Hoax Photo Samples From The Net
Samples of outrageous hoax pictures and doctored photos on the Internet!
How Big is the Internet?
FAQ: How Big is the Internet?
Definition: "Download"
Glossary of Internet Terminology, from the About Network: "download"
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...
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
What Is a 'Computer Virus'?
An Internet FAQ: what exactly are viruses, and what does a user need to know about them?
Top 10 Gifts for Internet Computer Geeks!
The Top 10 Gadgets For The Internet Geek In Your Life.
Definition: "Attachment"
Glossary Definition: "Attachment" and "File Attachment"
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
Outsmart Those Online Hoaxes!
Don't get suckered by email hoaxes and chain letters! Use these professional resources to confirm if an email story is authentic, and save yourself the embarassment at the office.
Internet for Beginners - Articles
An index of articles for the Internet for Beginners guide site.
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: What Do Other People Sear
FAQ: What Do Other People Search For On the Net?
Ten Thumbs Typing Software
Good typing training software: "Ten Thumbs" by Runtime Revolution.
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...
Definition: "Firewall"
"Firewall" is used to describe specialized software and/or hardware that...
Email Tutorials
Email Essentials: basics for newbies, and intermediate and advanced tips for users who want to message more effectively.
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...
Gifts for Internet Computer Geeks, Page 2
The Top 10 Gadgets For The Internet Geek In Your Life.
Definition: "Emoticons"
Glossary of Internet Terminology, from the About Network: "Emoticon"
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...
Organizing IE Favorites
Tutorial: Organizing Favorites in IE6 or IE7
How Dial-Up Acceleration Works.
How Dial-up Acceleration Servers Work: An Illustration. ( Click here for the full explanation on "Speeding
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...
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...
Internet Investment Scam, example 2: Pump and Dump Investment
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 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...
Definition: "Cache"
Glossary of Internet Terminology, from the About Network: "cache"
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