Beginner, neophyte, novice, "newbie"...whatever you call it, we all have been one. Every Internet guru had to, at one time, learn to logon.

Fortunately, it is much easier now to be a Internet newbie than any time before.  There is a wide range of information about the Internet and plenty of people willing to help for free.

Everyone will learn differently and some will catch on quicker. For those that are easily intimidated by the computer I strongly recommend enrolling in a beginning Internet community education course.  These courses typically range between three and twelve hours, are held over one to four evenings (when most people can attend) and cost less than $50.00.

These classes can provide you with a starting point for your adventures and you can meet others who are in the same position as you. One note, though, don't start the lessons until you have Internet access or are about to sign-up. It is very important that you be able to practice your Internet skills soon after learning them.

If you feel more comfortable reading a book on the topic, I recommend How to Use the Internet published by Ziff-Davis Press. This step-by-step beginner guide takes you through every major aspect of the Internet including how to select an Internet service provider, the World Wide Web, e-mail, telnet, uploading and downloading (transferring) files, how to install "plug-ins" and much more. There is far more space taken up by detailed illustrations and actual screen shots than words, making this a very easy visual reference for any neophyte.

To keep up with the latest developments and get a better idea of what is available to Internet visitors, I recommend getting a monthly magazine.  There are plenty to choose from at your local bookstore, I have read through most of them and there are only two that I would suggest you pick up an issue and you may want to subscribe to-Yahoo! Internet Life and "Internet World."

"Yahoo! Internet Life" (YIL) is the "People" magazine of the World Wide Web. Geared toward the Internet inexperienced and laid out in a way that keeps you reading, this magazine is more interested in how real people and celebrities use the Internet than information system professionals. There are some great ideas and tips and tricks that can make a big difference when it comes to browsing the Web. Made by the creators of my favorite site, Yahoo!, you can see and search back issues online.
 
"Internet World" is a bit more geared to the intermediate-level crowd. Instead of the "Late Net with Conan O'Brien" cover story of YIL, you are greeted with "The 4.0 Generation of New [Web] Browsers." "Internet World" is more concerned about technology and the people who make the Internet better.  You will find good, meaty news in this magazine.

Publisher Mecklermedia has produced this and other top magazines and puts on the largest Internet-specific conference and convention three times every year, Internet World, named after its magazine. There is no better source to keep up with late breaking Internet news than the related Web site, Internet.com.

Finally, once you get going online, don't forget the Internet resources itself. With detailed tutorials, guides and references such as Newbie.Net, Learn the Net, Yahoo! Internet Life Surf School and The Internet Tutor, you should be surfing like the pros in no time.