But Internet 2 is as real as it gets.

Launched in 1996, Internet2 offers lightning-fast connections to two fiber-optic backbone networks that ensure data arrives at its destination without loss or delay and already connects at least one university in each of 50 states in US.

Abilene, Internet2(R) backbone network, is in operation at speeds up to 2.4 gigabits per second, or 45,000 times faster than a typical modem.

It was developed in partnership with Qwest Communications, http://www.quest.net.nz/, Cisco Systems, http://www.cisco.com/, Nortel Networks, http://www.nortelnetworks.com/, and Indiana University, http://www.indiana.edu/.

It currently provides nationwide high-performance networking capabilities for over 180 Internet2 universities, which, in addition to high speed, provides advanced networking services such as multi-casting, IPv6, enables advanced applications such as High-Definition TV, tele-medicine and remote access to scientific instruments.

TV may soon stream into your home via your computer in a quality and level never before envisioned. And average person may well be able to create their own TV shows right on their own home computer.

Speed was one of major reasons for inception of "New Internet". Government and educational institutions were beginning to get bogged down within old Internet network system. If original vision was to be maintained, a new system would have to be implemented.

We went to a number of dealers, found a make and model we liked, and started to shop price. We got so many conflicting prices, I came home and felt like I had been put through a wringer.

But, after a bit, I settled down and decided to let web do some of work for me. I called all dealers and asked them to fax me a copy of window stickers of make and model I was interested in. Lo and Behold - all were exactly same. So why big disparity in offering prices?

Then I remembered - http://giggo.com/ - and immediately called it up. I entered make and model of vehicle I was looking for, and not only got window sticker prices, but also what dealer paid for vehicle and accessory packages . One dealer actually tried to charge us $5,000 over his cost.

I then looked up resale value of "Grand Am", and armed with this information and dealer cost, went back to bargain. When all was said and done, I got $1,000 more for "Grand Am" than they were offering, and paid $100 over dealer cost for new one. Sure, I know they have dealer incentives and rebates. The dealer couldn't stay in business very long only making $100 per sale. But I did know I was probably paying a fair price.

Flashback - Last fall, I needed new filters for our humidifier and couldn't find them locally. Back to web - after a bit of searching I found company that manufactured them. A quick call to their "800" number and found a dealer that carried them.