You see, internet uses a special number known as a TCP/IP address to identify machines. Each and every machine on internet has one of these numbers. An example is 23.5.67.9 - each of four numbers is called an octet. Thus, URL www.internet-tips.net might actually translate to 23.5.67.9 using something called DNS.

Okay, before I go on any further with this explanation, understand this article is a highly simplified description of a process that is actually highly technical, extremely complex and very difficult for even experts to totally understand. People spend years in training learning how this all works.

When your machine needs to retrieve a URL (when you enter a web site address in browser address line, for example), it first checks to see if it already knows how to translate address. Depending upon operating system and browser, a number of different steps might take place.

The first basic fact to understand is that TCP/IP has been designed to attempt to reduce expense (the time) it takes to translate a name to a TCP/IP number. This translation is potentially extremely time consuming, and users don't like to wait. So a number of intermediate steps have been added to attempt to speed things up.

First your system looks to see if it already has done translation recently (this is called caching). What happens is each time your computer successfully performs a translate it makes a note of results off to side. Later, if you enter same URL, system looks on it's list, finds it already has address and returns that value.

The Internet is far more than just websites. Information is delivered via email, downloads, newsgroups and forums just to name a few. In addition, there are literally thousands of ezines, discussion groups and announcement lists.

These groups are composed of individuals who either receive information in form of a publication or share information with a group. Although these lists can provide you with a wealth of information, they can be very time consuming for owners. With that in mind, this article will provide you with some basic list etiquette guidelines.

Ezines

Ezines, also known as email magazines, online publications and electronic newsletters, are simply newsletters available via email and/or online.

Subscribers sign up to receive a publication and may unsubscribe at any time. Publications may be delivered to your email daily, weekly, biweekly or monthly.

Discussion Groups

Discussion groups are groups of individuals who have signed up to participate in group discussions. This type of group delivers messages to your email each time a member posts. When you reply to a message, it will be delivered to entire group.

Announcement Lists

Announcement lists enable members to sign up to receive and post announcements in regard to a specific subject. This type of group may deliver messages as they are posted or you may receive a certain number of messages at one time.

Forums/Message Boards

Forums or message boards are online threaded discussion groups in which messages are displayed on web pages.

Some forums require you to register in order to become a member, while others require no registration.

Moderators

Most types of discussion groups, announcement lists and forums will have one or more moderators. Moderators make sure that posts are appropriate and try to prevent spammers from posting.

Posting Guidelines

No matter what type of list or group you join, each will have its own set of posting guidelines. Make sure you always review guidelines and double-check your post prior to submission. Not only will your message get posted more quickly, but it will also save moderator a great deal of time.

When posting or replying to posts, make sure that you stay on topic. If you're posting to a group that focuses on "Ezines," you wouldn't want to post a question or information about "Gardening." In addition, always be very tactful. Everyone is there to learn and share information. There is absolutely no reason to hurt someone's feelings by publicly humiliating them or being rude. Keep in mind, there is a human being with feelings behind each post.