Abstracts » Business, general

Everybody's jumping on the Internet, but just try to find them

Article Abstract:

Many companies and organizations are spending time and money to set up Internet sites, despite the relatively small user base represented by this form of communication. It is not easy to set up or find a World Wide Web site, mainly because of the overly long addresses, known as uniform resource locaters (URL), used to identify such locations. Every address is preceded by the characters, 'http://www.,' and many addresses include additional phrases and obscure words that are impossible to remember. Fortunately, several Web sites have been developed that provide directories of other Web sites and 'hot' links, or instant access, to the home pages of these other sites. Yahoo, at http://www.yahoo.com, is one such directory that helps users search for home pages by subject, name or description and enables users to jump to their selection with a mouse click. The University of Kansas' URouLette site for the indecisive Internet browser sends users to randomly selected Web sites.

Database access software, Technology application, Online information services, Information services, Online information service, Technology Information

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The Internet can help you find a lost friend or a good egg roll

Article Abstract:

A number of directory sites on the Web allow users to locate mail addresses, telephone numbers and street addresses for individuals and companies. These sites have some advantages over CD-ROM products offering similar services, since the sites are more easily upgraded, are typically free and allow users to move between multiple sites to perform searches. On the other hand, searching the sites is slower than searching a CD-ROM, and the sites often contain errors. The best general site is InfoSpace, which provides driving directions and a map of the selected address, along with a list of nearby businesses and information about the town. The driving directions are sometimes not useful, and the phone number and E-mail searches are not well integrated. The Four11 site can search by street address or will accept street names and provide a list of residents. Switchboard searches for street addresses, e-mail addresses and phone numbers at the same time.

Usage, Web sites (World Wide Web), Search engines, Internet/Web Site Directory, Internet/Web Search Service

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MSN is giving AOL tougher competition in Internet access

Article Abstract:

After fighting off competition from AT&T'S WorldNet Internet service, AOL is now facing a threat to its 25 million members from MSN.com. MSN membership has doubled to 3.5 million in the past year as the company created a better marketing campaign, introduced new Internet appliances, pushed conversions to high-speed service and revamped its user software to make Web site navigation easier. MSN's challenge to AOL will benefit consumers as the competition will force AOL to upgrade its services.

United States, Internet service providers, America Online Inc., AOL, Market share, Internet service provider, Microsoft Network Corp.

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