Introduction to the Internet
For many the Internet is now part of everyday working life. In agriculture also, the Internet is beginning to play an increasing role and it has enormous potential to become a very useful tool for farmers in managing their businesses. This technical note outlines what the Internet is, how it can be used and what benefits it has to offer in improving the effective management of farm businesses.
What is it?
In simple terms it is a worldwide system of computer networks in which any one computer can get information from any other computer connected to the network.
The number of internet users is set to pass the 1 Billion mark early next year.
What can it offer you?
- Communication - Electronic mail allows communication with anyone at anytime.
- Information - From any source world wide that has a presence on the Internet, for example, Agriculture Advisers, Colleges, Universities, Banks, Purchasers, Supply companies.
- Business tools – Online herd management tools (for example. Aphis Online) and other tools such as online banking or currency converters.
- Discussion groups - exchange information with other farmers and other individuals about what interests or troubles you.
- A world wide market place - anything can be bought or sold.
What is a browser?
A software program that allows you to view pages of information from the World Wide Web.
It may also manage your electronic mail. Examples are Microsoft Internet Explorer or Netscape Navigator. This will often be already available on your PC. If not it may be supplied by whoever gives you Internet access.
What is a Search Engine?
A software programme that will allow you search for information from the world wide web. Examples are Google (www.google.co.uk![[external site]](extlink.gif)
) Alta-Vista, (www.altavista.com) and Yahoo (uk.yahoo.com).
) Alta-Vista, (www.altavista.com) and Yahoo (uk.yahoo.com).What is a Web Site?
A set of web pages published on the World Wide Web, by a given organisation or company is referred to as a "site". For example, Greenmount has a web site at www.cafre.ac.uk. Any individual can develop their own Website.
. Any individual can develop their own Website.How do I get connected?
Until recently, the main method of connecting to the internet was via a ‘dial-up’ connection though a telephone point. However, a dial-up connection can be slow and unreliable and it tie’s up your phone line. ‘Broadband’ is a new faster and more robust method of connecting to the internet and it is quickly becoming the connection of choice for internet users throughout Northern Ireland. The region will be the first in Europe to have 100% broadband access availability, with this target set to be achieved by the end of next year.
- You need a computer with a modem and a link to a telephone point or cable.
- You need to subscribe to an Internet Service Provider (ISP).
- The ISP will have a computer with a permanent connection to the Internet.
- You connect to the Internet through the ISP.
The ISP will supply all the services you need to have a presence on the Internet.
What will it cost?
Depending on your usage levels and connection method, the costs for using the internet may vary considerably. The table shows some typical connection methods and their associated costs:
| Connection Type | Monthly Charge | Additional Charge |
|---|---|---|
| Dial-up ‘pay-as-you-go" | £0 - £15 | Local call charge |
|
Dial-up ‘flat rate’ (freephone number) |
£10 - £25 | None |
| Broadband (300k) | £15-£20 | None |
| Broadband (1Mb) | £25-30 | None |
What is DARD doing?
DARD has developed the RuralNI portal website to provide a one stop shop for farmers and growers in Northern Ireland. Currently the portal has over 4500 pages of up to date technical information and some 29 interactive business support tools to aid farmers and growers in making key decisions.
Where do I get some help?
The following should be able to give you some information and provide you some basic instructions and help.
- The IT Team at Greenmount Campus
- Computer hardware or software suppliers
- Your ISP (Internet Service Provider)
Contact:
The IT Team at Greenmount College
Tel: 028 9442 6699
Fax: 028 9442 6777
Fax: 028 9442 6777
Technical Update prepared by Daithi Conlon,
Greenmount Campus,
College of Agriculture, Food and Rural Enterprise,
Antrim,
BT41 4PU
Greenmount Campus,
College of Agriculture, Food and Rural Enterprise,
Antrim,
BT41 4PU
January 2005