The internet lets you find information, communicate, learn, and use online services through a connected device. To get started, connect a phone, tablet, or computer to the internet, open a web browser, and visit a page or search for a topic.
This guide explains the basic steps, how to judge what you find, and what to try if a connection or page does not work. You do not need advanced technical knowledge; take your time, protect your personal information, and remember that online services can work differently from one another.
What You’ll Need
- A connected device: A phone, tablet, laptop, or desktop computer can access the internet. The exact controls vary by device.
- An internet connection: This may come through a home network, a mobile data plan, or a public network. A connection may require a password or acceptance of usage terms.
- A web browser: A browser is an application for opening and navigating websites. Most devices include one, and its name and appearance depend on the device.
- Optional account details: Some services let you browse without an account; others require you to sign in. Use an account only when it is needed for the task.
Step-by-Step
- Connect your device. Open the device’s network or connection settings and select an available network, or turn on mobile data if your plan supports it. Enter the network password if requested. On a shared or public network, check that you have selected the intended connection and follow any sign-in instructions shown on your device.
- Confirm that you are online. Look for the connection indicator in the device’s status area. Open a browser and try loading a familiar page. If it does not load, do not assume the browser is broken: the network may need a sign-in step, the signal may be weak, or the service may be temporarily unavailable.
- Open the browser. Tap or click the browser icon. You will usually see a search field, an address field, or a combined bar near the top of the window. Selecting it lets you type a search phrase or the address of a page you already know.
- Search for what you need. Enter a few specific words that describe your question, such as “how to renew a library book” or “causes of a bicycle tire losing air.” Press the search or enter key. More precise terms usually make it easier to find relevant results than a broad phrase such as “books” or “bicycles.”
- Choose a result thoughtfully. Read the result’s heading and short description before opening it. Consider whether the source matches your purpose: an official organization may be suitable for its own procedures, while a specialist reference may help explain a technical topic. Search results are not endorsements, and a high position does not by itself prove that a page is accurate.
- Read the page and move around it. Scroll to read more. A page may include links, buttons, menus, images, or a search box of its own. Select a link when you want related information, and use the browser’s back control to return to the previous page. If text is hard to read, use the device’s accessibility or display settings to adjust the view where available.
- Check important information. Look for the page’s publisher, publication or update information where provided, and supporting evidence. For decisions that matter, compare the claim with another reliable source rather than relying on a single page, post, or search snippet. Be especially cautious when a page makes dramatic claims or pressures you to act quickly.
- Use online services carefully. To send a message, attend a class, or complete a form, follow the service’s instructions and check the recipient or information before submitting. Share only details needed for the task. Before entering a password or other sensitive information, check that you are on the service you meant to use and that the connection is protected; a lock symbol is a useful signal but does not prove that a site is trustworthy.
- Finish and close shared sessions. When using a device that other people can access, sign out of accounts when you are done. Close the browser window or app, and avoid saving passwords on a shared device. On your own device, close pages you no longer need and keep its software updated through the device’s normal update settings.
Common Mistakes
- Confusing a search engine with the internet: A search engine helps locate pages, but it is only one service available online. You can also open a page directly if you already know where it is.
- Trusting the first result automatically: Results may include advertising, outdated material, or content that does not answer your question. Read the description and check the source before relying on it.
- Sharing too much information: A page or message may request personal details that are not necessary. Pause before sharing, especially when a request is unexpected or urgent.
- Clicking unfamiliar pop-ups: Alerts claiming that your device has a problem can be misleading. Avoid clicking their buttons or calling a number they display; close the tab or app and use your device’s normal support settings instead.
- Assuming every connection is private: Public networks can be shared with other people. Avoid using them for sensitive tasks when you are unsure of the network or its protections, and sign out of accounts on shared devices.
- Opening too many tabs: A tab is a separate page in the browser. Keeping many open can make it harder to find what you need, so close pages when you are finished with them.
Tips
- Use focused search phrases. Include the subject and the kind of answer you want. For example, add “instructions,” “definition,” or “troubleshooting” to narrow a search.
- Check who is speaking. A page should make it possible to understand who published it and what interests or expertise may shape its content. For official rules or procedures, consult the responsible organization’s own information.
- Compare claims that matter. Look for agreement among independent, relevant sources. If sources disagree, check their evidence and whether the information is current rather than choosing the most confident-sounding statement.
- Use bookmarks for pages you revisit. A bookmark saves a page in your browser so you can return to it without searching again. Organize saved pages in a way that makes sense to you.
- Take advantage of accessibility tools. Devices may offer text enlargement, screen reading, captions, voice input, or other display and navigation options. Their availability and controls vary by device and app.
- Pause before downloading. Download files only when you understand what they are and why you need them. If a page unexpectedly asks you to install something, leave the page and check the request through a trusted source.
Troubleshooting
A page will not load. Check that the device is connected to the intended network and that any required network sign-in is complete. Try another page. If nothing loads, move closer to the network equipment if appropriate, reconnect to the network, or restart the device. If only one page fails, the issue may be with that page rather than your connection.
The connection keeps dropping. Check the device’s signal and whether other devices have the same problem. If you are on a public network, its coverage or access rules may limit use. At home, reconnecting the device or restarting network equipment can help; follow the equipment maker’s instructions, and contact the person or service responsible for the connection if the problem continues.
A network asks you to sign in. Public and institutional networks sometimes show a sign-in page or request acceptance of terms. Follow instructions displayed by the network itself. If you are unsure whether the page is genuine, ask the venue or network administrator rather than entering account credentials into an unexpected prompt.
Search results seem irrelevant. Replace vague terms with the subject, location where relevant, and the kind of information you want. Try different wording, and open results from sources suited to the question. Be cautious about adding personal details to a search just to make it more specific.
A page looks strange or keeps showing pop-ups. Close it without selecting buttons in the pop-up. Reopen the browser and navigate to the page through a fresh search or a saved bookmark. If unwanted tabs continue to appear, review the browser’s settings and extensions, and use the device maker’s help resources.
You cannot sign in to a service. Check that the account name and password are entered correctly and that the service is the one you intended to use. Use the service’s own account-recovery process if needed. Do not share a verification code or password with someone who contacts you unexpectedly.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between the internet and the web?
The internet is the connected system that allows devices and services to communicate. The web is one way to use it: browsers open linked pages and other web content. Messaging, some calls, and other services also use internet connections.
Do I need an account to use the internet?
No. You can use many public information pages without signing in. An account may be needed for particular services, such as a course platform or a personal mailbox. Create or use one only when the service requires it for your task.
Can I use the internet without Wi-Fi?
Yes, if your device can connect through a mobile data service or another available connection. Whether that option is available depends on your device, plan, location, and service provider.
Is everything on the internet true?
No. Anyone may publish information, and pages can be incomplete, inaccurate, outdated, or misleading. Check the source, evidence, and date where relevant, and compare important claims with other reliable information.
Is public Wi-Fi safe for private information?
It can be convenient, but you may not know who manages the network or what protections it uses. Prefer a connection you trust for sensitive activity, check that you are using the intended service, and sign out when finished on a shared device.
What should I do if I accidentally open a suspicious page?
Do not download files, enter personal details, or follow urgent instructions. Close the page or browser tab. If you entered a password, change it using the service’s official account settings and review its security guidance.