How do you refer to the Web?

Over the holiday weekend here in the States, I had the opportunity to eavesdrop listen to a variety of different conversations, some of which centered around the Web. I found it very interesting how folks referred to anything related to the Web; let's see if you've heard some of these.

When I talk about the Web, I refer to it as:

• Getting online
• Going on the Internet
• Logging on to the Web
• Downloading the Internet (this one intrigued me)
• Opening my browser
• Google
• Email
• AOL

While a few of these terms don't quite hit the mark (and one is frankly impossible), all of them pretty much aim toward the same goal: that of participating on and in the Web in some way, shape, or form. We don't have to have all our terms correct to take advantage of the vast resources that the Web has to offer, neither do we have to know what every single new technology is all about. However, in this day and age, it's a very good idea to have at least a basic knowledge of the Web. Here are some resources to help you out:

• Web Search 101: From a short history to the Web, to how to find people simply and easily, there's a LOT of information here. If you'd like it in more digestible chunks, try the Web Search 101 free e-course. You can sign up for daily or weekly lessons, and learn at your leisure.
• Seven Habits of Highly Effective Web Searchers: Every time I need to find something on the Web, I am successful. Right? Uh, not exactly. Eventually, I get to where I'm going, but it takes some work sometimes. Over the years I've developed a few search habits that have made me a more effective searcher, and with just a little practice, you can too. After all, searching the Web is a snap - it's actually finding what we're looking for that's the trick!

In addition to these basic materials, I've got a wealth of information for you: check out Web Search Basics, Web Search Tools, and Web Search Tips for more Web search information.