Florida physicians' guide to on-line information and the Internet

The combination of new computing technology with progress in data communications over wide geographic areas offers computer users the opportunity to publish information to each other rapidly across wide geographic expanses. The concept of networking computers to gain access to the most recent and widest range of available information is consistent with the aims and methods of quality health care. The Internet is the ultimate extension to the computer network concept- an unlimited link of digital servers and users world-wide, united by common protocols for purposes of information exchange, self-policed and without central controls. Although the concept is attractive, on-line servers and the Internet are sophisticated information tools whose most effective use requires that users be oriented to basic concepts and conventions. This article summarizes the basic conventions in computer networking and data security; the differences in concept and use between bulletin board systems (BBSes), online systems, and the Internet for information access; the various classes of Internet information resources and their uses; the basic use of search engines to expedite information retrieval in the Internet; and offers practical advice in choosing methods of Internet access.