Would they ever have guessed the Internet or World Wide Web?

It turns out they did. A 1900 issue of Ladies Home Journal came complete with a long list of predictions for the 20th century. Among them: "Persons and things of all kinds will be brought within focus of cameras connected electronically with screens at the opposite ends of circuits, thousands of miles at a span" and "photographs will be telegraphed from any distance."

Not bad, considering that at the time "the Web" was the exclusive "domain" of a spider.

Beyond Books welcomes you to "Working the Web," a program dedicated to helping Web surfers get the most out of their online experience. This program aims to help all comers — from the experienced, knowledgeable Web veteran, to the beginner who has just discovered the glory and confusion of this digital colossus.

We'll look at the past and the development of the Web we know now — the pioneers, the prototypes, and more. Lots of "how to" knowledge is included as well — everything from sending a simple e-mail to finding server space so you can upload your newly minted homepage and share it with the world.

This program addresses many different areas of the Web experience. You'll find plenty of information how the Web works and some of the amazing things you can do online. There'll also be lots of tips and strategy on how to get the most out of your Web surfing. But there will be topics that demand some serious contemplation — how to stay safe online and be courteous to others at the same time. How to keep your private information a secret. How to separate the truth from fiction in a world where anyone can claim to be an expert.

On a lighter note — don't miss the games! There are all sorts of activities throughout the program. Try the matching game on web addresses in Focus 4c: "The URL" and a rousing "Whack-a-Letter" in Focus 7c: "Bells and Whistles."

And on the more serious side — if you are looking to create your very own webpage, jump to Focus 8: "HTML — Hypertext Mark-up Language." That's where you'll find everything you need to know about building your own home on the Web. Need to cite a website for a research paper? Check out Focus 5d: "Citation Guidelines."

If there is one guiding phrase that sums up "Working the Web," it is that "It's your Web." You can create, communicate, publish, and share. You will learn and you will teach. Because behind this monitor and through that cable emerging from the wall, there are other people. Millions of them. Be kind, be careful, and — above all — have a good time.

1. Surfing the Web
   1. What's a Browser?
   2. Using a Browser
   3. Search Engines and Subject Directories
   4. Search Strategies
   5. All About E-mail
2. Caution and Courtesy
   1. Personal Safety
   2. Computer Health
   3. Private and Public
   4. Netiquette
3. Getting Online
   1. A Bit to a Yotta: Communication Speeds
   2. Internet Service Providers
   3. What's Next?
4. Evaluating Website Quality and Legitimacy
   1. Content Considerations
   2. Validity and Credibility
   3. The URL
   4. Site Design and Format Considerations
   5. Site Reviews and Educational Databases
5. Web Research and Citing Resources
   1. Researching on the Web
   2. Plagiarism
   3. Traditional Media
   4. Citation Guidelines
6. A Brief History of the Internet and the World Wide Web
   1. Vannevar Bush
   2. ARPAnet: the Early Internet
   3. Ted Nelson and Xanadu
   4. Tim Berners-Lee and the World Wide Web
7. Making Your Own Website
   1. What's the Point?
   2. Site Design and Navigation
   3. Bells and Whistles
   4. Proof and Review
   5. Publishing
8. HTML -- Hypertext Mark-up Language
   1. What is HTML?
   2. HTML Basics
   3. Building a Simple Page
   4. More HTML Gizmos
   5. Web Authoring Tools