What we need to know to use the Internet.

Just because people have Internet-ready computers doesn't mean they know what they're doing. Here are some tips on the basics.

Using the Internet in one or more ways has become an important part of how many people get their jobs done. Whether it's sending e-mail or browsing Web sites,

Being capable of using the Internet has, of course, gotten immensely easier. Most new desktop and notebook computers come "Internet-ready," with applications and communications software pre-loaded. Internet accounts and software are readily available (with some geographic and platform exceptions). The default home page for browsers typically includes enough starting points and search buttons that a user may never need to type an URL or open a manual.

But Internet-ready computers don't mean people necessarily know what they're doing, any more than having PowerPoint means I know anything about good presentation design. In the process of updating/ rewriting my Internet Guide For New Users for its 2nd edition, I rediscovered the difference between easier-to-use tools and understanding basic principles.

To use the Internet meaningfully (as an end user, vs. establishing intranet applications, public Web sites, etc.), here's some of what you need to understand:

* Basic computer literacy--how to start and stop the computer, install/configure applications, use the basics of the user interface (mouse, menus, etc.), create/save text and files, detect viruses, zip/unzip files, and so on.

* The basic nature of the Internet as network--that it's a bunch of interconnected networks, including things like e-mail delivery, companies' internal networks and servers; and what your account/connection fee does/doesn't guarantee in terms of availability.

* Basic Internet vocabulary--such as terms, abbreviations, jargon, and slang; for example, URL (Web address), :-) (signifying a smile), FAQs (frequently asked questions), home page, and so on.

* The basic functions of the Internet apps being used--such as including/extracting binary files in e-mail, replying to individuals vs. groups in e-mail, going forward and back in a browser, etc.

* The Internet's "information food chain"--the range of trustability and usefulness of information.

* Policies and basic "netiquette"--in using e-mail, Usenet, and other communications tools. Who's allowed to post in public forums? Who should respond to e-mail from customers or the news media?

* Company and ISP policies--what's OK to do/use, what's not? Is e-mail private? Are files private? Are web-browsing requests monitored? Is it OK to use PointCast, RealAudio, or other bandwidth-pig apps?

Without core "Internet literacy" along with computer literacy, a company that allows its users to use the Internet runs serious risks. The more immediate dangers are users bogging down corporate LANs, servers and disks; getting infected with software and macro viruses; and being less productive. Subtler dangers include legal exposure and the risk of information leakage.

What can a company do? The first thing to do is begin thinking about it. Next, establish policies and make sure all appropriate people have seen, read, and signed them. Make sure that internal help desk and support staff are ready. Make some training available--and encourage it. Encourage people to get their own private dial-up accounts where they can do non-company-related activities. And, of course, stock up with some good Internet books!

Although it may seem like a lot of work to be able to use the Internet productively and safely, can you afford to approach it any other way?

Daniel P. Dern--Internet analysts, journalist/ writer/author/columnist, speaker, pundit, and gadfly--can be reached at ddern@world.std.com,http://www.dern.com, or at 617-969-7947; fax 617-969-7949.