Internet Works

Throughout time, humans have explored their surroundings, crossing oceans and landmasses in pursuit of knowledge and glory. This thirst for knowledge also turned eyes skyward, causing the curious to try to understand the vastness of existence around the planet Earth. As technology advanced, the desire to venture into the cosmos became increasingly possible, until man walked on the moon and equipment traveled much farther away. Fortunately for those who are still on terra firma, gathering information about the universe is much easier than launching on a rocket ship. People can learn and discover more about deep space through adventures in cyberspace without the need for oxygen tanks or special suits.

Calculators are no longer relegated to the role of small, handheld devices used to perform basic math functions. They're not even limited to advanced mathematic calculations or to math at all. The Web offers a variety of calculator and conversion tools from the basic (kilometers to miles, anyone?) to the zany (Pig Latin translation, for example). And for all those students out there, the Internet also has the math ones that are helpful in class.

Money. It takes a lot of work to earn, save and manage. Fortunately, in this digital age, tools that simplify these tasks are available at the click of a button. Whether people need to find calculators, make plans, educate children or just learn more about what others are doing, the Web offers it all. And sometimes, the help can even be fun.

The hard-hitting storms that beleaguered parts of the United States this year taught the East Coast a valuable lesson-sometimes you just can't get to work. But with immovable deadlines tasks still must be accomplished. One way offices can continue to function with personnel in disparate locations (assuming they all have power) is by storing documents in locations other than organizations' computer drives. Using the Internet as a storage device enables people to continue to move work forward, even if they can't get out the front door.

Winter's over and it's time to travel. Whether the mood is right for a late spring break or early summer planning, the Web is full of sites that help users find and book the perfect vacation. From the United States to Europe and beyond, the only limit to researching locations and packages is how long Web surfers can stare at their computer screens.

Everyone who uses the Internet knows about Google the search engine, and most are familiar with the free Gmail service, but what about the company's other offerings? From helpful business applications that enable more collaboration with fewer messages to tools that help individuals keep their Web pages organized, Google offers features that make the Internet experience more efficient and fun.

Ahhhh, February. A time when thoughts naturally turn to love or at least to the need to buy tokens of that love and hand them out on the 14th. The Internet is full of sites selling cards, diamonds and everything in between, but it also offers more substantial materials. Anyone looking to learn about the history of, unique takes on or international customs celebrating the holiday need look no further than their favorite browser.

"Armed With Science" is a weekly podcast from the U.S. Defense Department that highlights the importance of science and technology to modern military operations and the DOD. Interviews with scientists, administrators and operators are conducted to inform listeners about the cutting-edge research and development happening within the defense community.

Each day, millions of people use the Internet for purposes of work and play. Each year, the International Academy of Digital Arts and Sciences-a 550-member body composed of leading Web experts, business figures and others-distributes Webby awards for the best Web sites in a variety of categories. All of the nearly 70 categories include two prizes-the Webby Award and the People's Choice Award, voted for by the online community. The groupings include one for Consumer Electronics, which features some very creative work.

YouTube may be a household name for people across the world, but other sites offer many of the same benefits with additional advantages. Video hosting sites continue to grow in number, offering YouTube alternatives with special focuses. Some cut through the clutter of dancing cats to cater specifically to business users while others pay their users or offer privacy features. Anyone looking to become a Web video phenomenon can find a site to suit his or her needs.