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What is the Internet
The Internet is a really big network of computers. The Internet started as a research project in the 1970's by the US ARPA to create a high speed data network linking US Government institutions all over the country.
Over the years, the ARPAnet (as it was then called) grew rapidly and became the glue that connected various other networks being formed. Because of this, it soon got to be known as the Internet, as it interconnected various networks.
The Internet is no longer a research project and has grown to include companies, governments, non-profit organisations, universities, schools and home users all over the world.
With the correct usage, you can experience a roundtable discussion experience of global proportion. Conversation can cover topics in great detail with Scouters with different points of view and/or having additional information to bring to the discussion.
Another common use of the networks are for help in a particular program or event, ideas for upcoming outings, blue and gold themes, camporees, training etc. Imagine, getting a complete pack program off the networks using input from Scouters all over the world.
IRC (Internet Relay Chat)
IRC general information
IRC is a multi-user online chafting system that allows users to talk to other users all around the world via the Internet. You will have to find a (local) IRC server to connect to. Scouts and Guides can use Scoutlink by connecting to chat.scoutlink.net.
IRC users are identified by nicknames of their own choice. Nicknames may be at most 9 characters long. The nickname is set via preferences or the /NICK command in your IRC client.
Basically, you type messages on your keyboard and when you hit the enter key all others immediately see what you've typed. Thus, by typing short sentences or phrases you can communicate.
Channels
Communication on IRC is done via Channels and Private Messages. Channels have names starting with # and usually up to 12 characters long. You can see a list of the channels currently in use via the /LIST command issued to your IRC client. As soon as you join a channel with the /JOIN command, everything you type is sent to that channel and seen by all other users on that channel. You will see what the others type, respectively.
Since it is easy to open a new, temporary, channel, often special channels for special events will be created, such as #jota.
WWW (World Wide Web)
The WWW is an information service that links documents across the Internet, wherever they may reside. It allows you to jump from one item to another, without having to worry about the location of certain information files. By using a browser program like Netscape, or Internet Explorer, this becomes as easy as a click of the mouse.
Remember though, that the information might come from a respected University or a kindergarten. You have to judge the reliability of the information.