The internet has become an almost indispensable part of everyday life for home, school and business. It brings many benefits but also poses a range of difficulties and dangers to ensure the safest and most effective use.

This page looks at the History and Development of The Internet, covering a period of about 50 years and looking at who, where, when and what we should know. Then we cover Internet Safety, which is an ever increasing area of concern. This section provides help allowing you to remain as safe as possible. There is a concentration on safety for children and an emphasis on Australian efforts to achieve this.

The Second Page looks at Internet Browsers for all major operating systems and ISPs [Internet Service Providers] for broadband, wireless and even dial-up, though with the new broadband planning, the last may change in the not too distant future. Another section covers Other Information such as scams, phishing, … .

Please note that it is not possible to cover every possible option. In many cases, Help Pages can be found either through the program or in documentation that comes with it.

Links to computing magazines with reviews, advice and assistance covering this area are only found on the Hardware Help page.

To use the internet there must be web sites. A separate page provides information and links to help with Web Site Creation. It is possible for anyone to create a web page. Even beginners should find help here.

Internet History

The development of the Internet, how it has changed, how it might change.

• A Brief History of the Internet
  Tutorial [others accessible from this page] about the internet. Worth visiting for a good overview.
• A History Of Source Concepts For The Internet/Web
  An archived copy of an article by Bob Bemer, done in 2000 for British Telecom. Very plain, but full of fascinating information.
• A People’s History Of The Internet
  ‘To mark the 40th anniversary of the first stirrings of the internet we asked you to tell us your experiences of life online. Hundreds of you responded, and here we present an interactive documentary of your stories and videos, alongside our own research and interviews with key figures’. The Guardian, UK.
• Email History
  ‘Key events and milestones in the invention of email are described’. Has embedded links to further information.
• Gregory Gromov’s History
  The internet, WWW, hypertext. An interesting read if only a user till now.
• History of Search Engines
  From 1945 to Google 2007. Actually goes further than this. Quite good information and easy to comprehend.
• History of the Internet
  ‘The following links offer a broad range of perspectives on the history of the Internet’.
• History of The Internet
  3 Terminals and an ARPA, Packet Switching, Networks that led to the internet, merging the networks, TCP/IP, opening to commerce, use and culture, historiography, references, further reading, links. From Wikipedia.
• History of The Internet [2]
  5 sections. Only goes up to 1998.
• History of the Internet [Leiden University]
  Covers development of computers till the 1960s, Arpanet to World Wide Web, History of email, Search engines. Quality information. Multiple chapters.
• Hobbes’ Internet Timeline
  Well annotated links to extensive events ranging from the 1950s. Many have links to further information. Well maintained. Runs to 2009 and has additional data included.
  Fascinating !
• Internet History
  ‘This Internet Timeline begins in 1962, before the word Internet is invented’. From the Computer Museum, with information presented in decades. Graphics, text, images, more.
• Keith Lynch’s Timeline of Net Related Terms and Concepts
  Runs from the mid 1970s. Also has a link to a Spam Timeline. Plain text presentation.
• Life Online : The Web in 2020
  Social Issues Research Centre. ‘The Life Online report, looking toward a vision of the Web in the year 2020, aims to provide an outline and analysis not only of projected technological developments but their social, political, economic implications. What will the Web look like in 2020 ? What will it do ? Where will it be ? How will we use it ?’
• Nerds 2.0.1
  Multiple sections provide an interesting and informative history of the Internet.
• Net History
  ‘Points you toward blissfully non-technical info tracing the international evolution of the Net - as well as computers and e-mail’.
• Origins and Nature of the Internet in Australia
  ‘This paper is a significantly extended version of A Brief History of the Internet in Australia. This is one of very few attempts at the topic’. Only runs to 2004. Plain text presentation.
• The Internet
  ‘This site is an in-depth reference about the Internet’. Addresses each of the following using 8 major areas - Internet, web, email, Usenet, IRC, MUD’s, Lists. Well maintained.
• The World Wide Web History Project
  Information on how the web came into existence.

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Internet Safety

General Sites

Be safe, particularly when children surf the web. Use blocking and filtering programs or ideas such as these.

• 8 Computer Security Tips for Students
  ‘These tips can help protect the computers you use for school from viruses, hackers, spyware, and other attacks’. From Microsoft. Part of the vast Security at Home site that covers all areas of security, not just for the Internet.
• ALA Great Web Sites for Kids
  Safe web sites selected by librarians.
• A Safety Net For The Internet
  A Parent’s Guide. New York Public Library.
• Barbara Biggs
  Books about child dangers includes one on the Chatroom.
• iKeepSafe
• Internet Content Complaints
  How to complain about Internet content to the Australian Communications and Media Authority.
• Cyberquoll Internet Safety Education
  Primary Schools. Teacher materials, parental information. NetAlert.
• Cybersafety Help Button
  ‘The Australian Government’s cybersafety help button provides internet users, particularly children and young people, with easy online access to cybersafety information and assistance available in Australia’.
• CyberSmart !
  Curriculum, advice, more, to teach safe internet skills.
• Cybersmart for Kids
  For parents and children.
• EFF’s Privacy Top 12
  ‘Examples and links are provided as starting points for readers, who must make up their own minds about how much security they need and whether particular offerings will suit their needs’. Part of a larger section on Privacy from the Electronic Frontier Foundation.
• Facebook Safety Centre
  ‘We believe safety is a conversation and a shared responsibility among all of us. That’s why we provide the information, tools and resources you’ll find here’.
• Family Friendly ISPs
  List of these, information about the Family Friendly Program.
• Get Safe Online
  ‘Advice and information about Internet safety’.
• Hector’s World
  ‘A fun site for kids on Internet safety’. From Cybersmart.
• How to Help Your Kids …
  Use social networking Web sites more safely. Point form presentation, links to further information. Part of a larger Online Security site.
• K9 Web Protection
  ‘Free Internet filtering and control solution for the home. K9 puts YOU in control’. Among the best Free programs.
• Keeping Children Safe Online
  ‘Children present unique security risks when they use a computer. By taking some simple steps, you can dramatically reduce the threats’. US Computer Emergency Readiness Team.
• KIDO’Z Browser
  ‘Protected environment made for young kids that enables children to surf sites, watch videos, play games. Allows the kids to watch only approved content. The system blocks links, scripts and any other attempts that lead to sites and content which have not been approved’.
• Kids’ Tools for Searching the Internet
  More than the title suggests. There are Kid Friendly Search Engines, Homework Helpers and safety advice. All will help to make their internet travels as safe as possible.
• Naomi
  Another Free filtering program that is highly recommended.
• NetAlert
  The brochure for a previously planned filter to protect Australians on the internet.
• Own Your Space
  Keep Yourself and Your Stuff Safe Online. ‘Help teens own their space online. Whether you are a parent, caregiver, or educator, you can keep up with the latest computer and online safety issues and help kids learn to avoid them. In partnership with security expert and author, Linda McCarthy, we offer a free downloadable version of her new book, “Own Your Space - Keep Yourself and Your Stuff Safe Online”. Written for Internet savvy “tweens” and teens specifically, this book is also a useful resource for the adults they rely on’.
• Parent’s Internet Safety Information
  From Cybersmart. Brochures, guides, advice, Poster, tips, Phone safety. PDF format. Also see Keeping Your Computer Secure. Another section For Schools & Parents has further information about keeping your computer secure.
  Highly Recommended !.
• Safe Surfing Guide
• Safety on the Internet
  ‘Dedicated to helping the average PC user make full and safe use of the Internet. Pages outlining defenses against the various threats and annoyances and the steps that can be taken to ensure that we continue to enjoy the Internet’.
• Security Guide for Home Computing
  Animated e-book that explains how your home computer can be compromised and how to protect it using Free software. 25mb download.
• Smart Online, Safe Offline
  Addresses Cyber Bullying and Stranger Danger. ‘Raises awareness and educates kids about how to be smart online in a relevant and engaging way’.
• Stay Safe Online
  US site. Valuable information & suggestions.
• Stay Smart Online
  ‘Designed to help home users and small businesses stay smart online. Australian Government’.
• Think U Know
  ‘ThinkUKnow is an Internet safety program delivering interactive training to parents, carers and teachers through primary and secondary schools across Australia using a network of accredited trainers. Developed by the Australian Federal Police and Microsoft Australia’. Their ThinkuknowAUS site on YouTube is found here. It contains a number of videos about the program and components of it.
• Virtual Global Task Force FAQs
  Questions/answers for both children and parents giving assistance for preventing pedophile danger when children are online. The main site covers the activities of the Task Force, which has Australian input.
• Who’s Chatting to Your Kids ?
  Information, PDF files from the Queensland Police, on Internet safety.

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Specific Areas

Firewalls

• Home PC Firewall Guide Index
  Information about appropriate firewall protection.
• How Firewalls Work
  What a firewall does and how.

Phishing

• Anti-Phishing Working Group
  ‘Global pan-industrial and law enforcement association focused on eliminating fraud and identity theft that result from phishing, pharming and email spoofing of all types’.
• How to Recognize Phishing E-Mails or Links
  Another section of Microsoft Protect pages.
• OnGuard Online
  Phishing Quick Facts. One of a series of topics covered by this group. The others can be found through the main menu.
• Phishing
  Information, embedded and external links, more. From Wikipedia.
• PhishingInfo
  How Phishing works, Protect Yourself, Where to go for help. Includes Research, educational materials and related links.
• The Phishing Guide [Part 1]
  The second part has a link from this page. ‘Understanding and Preventing Phishing Attacks’. Looks at Attack and Defence. This is a more technical presentation.

Spam

A blight on the web. Ways of preventing or minimising spam.

• ACMA - Spam FAQs
  Information from The Australian Communications and Media Authority.
• DBCDE - SPAM
  Government information.

Software

• Cactus Spam Filter
  Freeware. Works with a range of email programs.
• Death2Spam
  Annual fee to operate the system.
• Mailwasher
  Freeware. Among the most highly recommended.
• Spambully
• Spam-Trap
  Free program that ‘filters all incoming email and marks spam email in the subject-header. This way you may filter all spam email directly into the trash of your email program’.

• SpamMATTERS
  ACMA. ‘ Find out more about Understanding spam, Avoiding spam, Reporting spam with SpamMATTERS, nsuring that you don’t spam, Protecting yourself online, Lodging a complaint’.
• Spam Statistics and Facts
  ‘Think you know all you need to know about spam ? Read on for some alarming spam statistics and facts about spam email’. A second Australian source of information can be found at Spam Regulation : Statistics.

Spyware

• The Parasite Fight
  ‘Know what’s out there, how to identify it on your computer, remove it, how to protect yourself against more in the future’. Linked sites include Anti-Parasite Quick Fix and Parasites, Viruses and Other Security Issues.
• Spyware-Guide.com
  Spyware, how to prevent it, how to cure it if you have any, anything else to do with spyware. Worth a visit.
• Spyware Removal Guide
  Specific advice about a wide range of available programs you can use.

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