This section takes you to the next level of detail on the basics of Internet savvy. The more you understand, the easier it is to effectively use the power of the Internet.

• What is HTML?
• Why do some Web pages take so long to download?
• What is Active Desktop?
• What is FTP, and what does it have to do with downloading?

What is HTML?

HTML (or hypertext markup language) is a programming language used to build Web sites. It contains standard codes (or tags) that determine how a Web page looks when your browser displays it. HTML tags also make possible the hyperlinks that connect information on the World Wide Web.

Sites to visit

• A Beginner's Guide to HTML
• World Wide Web Consortium (W3C) Web site
• MSDN™ Online - resources for Web professionals
• Microsoft® FrontPage® Home Page – all about the Web site creation and management tool
• Creating a Web Site chapter in the Internet Guide - for more information about HTML

Why do some Web pages take so long to download?

Many factors affect how fast a Web page travels from its Web site to your computer. Web pages may load slowly for these reasons:

• Your modem transmits data slowly.
• Traffic on the Internet is heavy.
• The page's file is large. It contains graphic, sound, or video files, for example, in addition to text.
• The server and connecting lines used by your online service, your Internet service provider, or the Web site transmit data slowly.

To decrease download time, try these pointers:

• Get the latest version of your browser software.
• Buy a faster modem that transmits at a rate of at least 28,800 baud.
• Browse during off-peak hours.
• Turn off sound and images in your browser software. Text-only pages load faster.
• If a page is loading so slowly that you think it may be stuck, click the Stop button on your browser's toolbar, and try to load the page again in a few minutes.

Sites to visit

• Download Microsoft Internet Explorer 5.0 and 5.5

What is Active Desktop?

The Active Desktop™ interface is a feature of Microsoft Internet Explorer version 5.0 and 5.5 that allows your desktop to function like a browser. Here are some of the things you can do using Active Desktop:

• Get easy, instant access to your most-used applications, including tools such as corporate directories and search engines.
• Display multiple HTML pages and pictures from the World Wide Web or your local network or hard disk.
• Create windows on your desktop for the objects you're interested in so the information you need is delivered directly to you.
• Place ActiveX®-based and Java components alongside existing desktop icons, giving you customizable space for your favorite Web content and notifications of new e-mail.

Sites to visit

• Microsoft Internet Explorer 5 Web site - to learn more about Active Desktop

What is FTP, and what does it have to do with downloading?

FTP is short for "file transfer protocol." It's a system of rules for communicating over the Internet, and it allows you to transfer files to and download files from other computers. A Browser software such as Microsoft Internet Explorer contains the tools you need to handle FTP. So with Internet Explorer, you can download any file available on the Internet.

Sites to visit

• Microsoft Internet Explorer 5 Web site – for more on FTP tools