What is the internet?

The internet is the world's largest computer network. But it's also much more than that:

It's a community: Hundreds of millions of people around the world use the internet to communicate with each other - sending email around the world in seconds, using chat or instant messages to keep in touch with family and colleagues, or using the World Wide Web to find old friends or make new ones.

It's a library: Imagine the world's most powerful library at your fingertips - thousands of books, magazines, newspapers and encyclopedias can be read on the internet, all from the comfort of your own home.

It's useful: Do your shopping online - buy a birthday present for your nephew, some flowers for your mother, maybe even something for yourself - how about booking a holiday? Check what the weather's like anywhere in the world, look up the latest foreign exchange rates, even find last-minute flight bargains. And that's just the tip of the iceberg!

It's fun: Whether you're playing online games against other people around the world, hanging out in chat with some friends or taking part in a treasure hunt on the web, there's plenty to keep you amused out there.

On AOL, you're already a part of the internet. Wherever you go on AOL, the internet is just a click away! To find out more or to start surfing, sign-on to AOL and go to Keyword: Internet.