The Internet is a worldwide collection of interconnected networks (Long, L. & Long, N. 2004, p.132). Through telephone wires and satellite links, Internet users can share information in a variety of forms. The Internet was started by the U.S. military's Advanced Research Projects Agency (ARPA) in the mid-1960s. At that time, the Net was designed to be a communications network for government and university researchers across the nation. Today's Internet is a global resource connecting millions of users around the world. The size, scope, and design of the Internet allow users to e-mail, use instant message, buy and sell on-line, cruise the Net, and use search engines. According to Nielsen/ Net Ratings, there is a worldwide Internet population of 580 million users, as of 2002. The average user in the United States spends about 25 hours and 25 minutes at home and 74 hours and 26 minutes at work per month.…
