Internet

The electronic communications network that connects computer networks and organizational computer facilities around the world.

Sub-headings:

Cyber Cafes

Commercial establishments that offer walk-in Internet access.

Electronic Mail

FTP (File Transfer Protocol)

MUDs & MOOs

Talk, IRC and Chat

Telnet

Usenet

World Wide Web

The collection of interconnected hypertext documents that resides on the Internet.

Resources in this category:

The Alliance for Global Internet Services
http://agis.org/

"The Alliance for Global Internet Services (AGIS) is a non-profit corporation founded in 1996. AGIS's primary purpose is to help promote global access to new information and communication technologies as a means of addressing social and economic development problems and fostering international cooperation." Their website contains "information about AGIS programs for global trade and investment, training global managers, business association development, small business support, as well as for telecenters, business centers, and learning centers."

Canadian Association of Internet Providers
http://www.caip.ca/

The CAIP seeks "to foster the growth of a healthy and competitive Internet service industry in Canada through collective and cooperative action on issues of mutual interest." The newsletter is available online as well as information about membership and a list of members. Other sections of the site deal with policy, electronic commerce, and other issues of interest.

Citizens Internet Empowerment Coalition
http://www.ciec.org/

"(A) large and diverse group of Internet users, businesses, non-profit groups, and civil liberties advocates, who share the common goal of protecting the First Amendment and the viability of the Internet as a means of free expression, education, and commerce. CIEC members believe that parents, not the United States Government, are the best and most appropriate judges of what material is appropriate for themselves and their children." Members include libraries, book and newspaper publishers, editors, advertisers, commercial online service providers, ISP's, non-profit groups, and civil liberties advocates. The site contains information about the failed Communications and Decency Act and links to its members' Web sites.

The Coalition for Networked Information
http://www.cni.org/

"CNI is an organization to advance the transformative promise of networked information technology for the advancement of scholarly communication and the enrichment of intellectual productivity. Founded in 1990 by the Association of Research Libraries, Educom, and CAUSE, CNI is supported by the members of an institutional Task Force representing higher education, publishing, network and telecommunications, information technology, and libraries and library organizations"

Computing Technology Industry Association
http://www.comptia.org/

"The computing and communications industries continue to grow at a staggering rate. And with the growth come new rewards and challenges. We work to develop vendor-neutral standards in e-commerce, customer service, workforce development, and training certification. These standards enable businesses to simplify practices, reduce expenses, and compete more effectively in an increasingly complex and competitive world." The web site features information on membership, benefits of membership, contact info, news and events, public policy, a section on E-commerce, information about certification, and workforce

Electronic Frontier Canada
http://www.efc.ca/

"Electronic Frontier Canada (EFC) was founded to ensure that the principles embodied in the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms remain protected as new computing, communications, and information technologies are introduced into Canadian society." On the site, you can find out more about their efforts or read their press releases and news about relevant political issues.

The Electronic Frontier Foundation
http://www.eff.org/

³The Electronic Frontier Foundation: A non-profit civil liberties organization working in the public interest to protect privacy, free expression, and access to online resources and information.² This site has a downloadable membership form and an online membership form. This site provides membership benefits information, alerts, current newsletter, and archives.

Electronic Frontiers Australia
http://www.efa.org.au/

"Electronic Frontiers Australia Inc. is a non-profit national organisation formed to protect and promote the civil liberties of users and operators of computer based communications systems." The site has informational sections on censorship, cryptography, privacy issues, and intellectual property.

Global Information Infrastructure Commission
http://www.giic.org/

"The mission of the Global Information Infrastructure Commission (GIIC) is to foster private sector leadership and private-public sector cooperation in the development of information networks and services to advance global economic growth, education and quality of life. The GIIC is an independent, non-governmental initiative involving leaders from developing as well as industrialized countries."

Internet Assigned Numbers Authority
http://www.iana.org/

"Dedicated to preserving the central coordinating functions of the global Internet for the public good," the new independent IANA organization will have responsibilities in three interrelated areas: Internet Protocol addresses, domain names, and protocol parameters.

Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers
http://www.icann.org/

"The Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN) is a technical coordination body for the Internet. Created in October 1998 by a broad coalition of the Internet's business, technical, academic, and user communities, ICANN is assuming responsibility for a set of technical functions previously performed under U.S. government contract by IANA and other groups. "Specifically, ICANN coordinates the assignment of the following identifiers that must be globally unique for the Internet to function: Internet domain names, IP address numbers, and protocol parameter and port numbers." The web site features information on worldwide membership, the organization of ICANN, supporting organizations, a look at the board of directors of ICANN, a public debate forum, information on domain name disputes, and new stories

Internet Professional Publishers Association
http://www.ippa.org/

"The Internet Professional Publishers Association is a professional association of graphics and design agencies involved in commercial marketing and publishing through the World Wide Web." This site has links to the IPPA's newsletter, membership directory, the IPPA Award for Design Excellence and information on how to join the IPPA.

Internet Society
http://www.isoc.org/

"The Internet Society is a non-governmental International organization for global cooperation and coordination for the Internet and its internetworking technologies and applications." This site contains information on membership, administration, conferences, local and national chapters, and other related web sites.

The US Internet Industry Association
http://www.usiia.org/

"The US Internet Industry Association (USIIA) is the North American trade association for Internet commerce, content and connectivity. Founded in 1994, USIIA provides education on Internet and technology issues,advocates effective public policy for the Internet, and provides its members with essential business news, information, support and services."