The Internet is a worldwide network of computer networks. In the United States, the National Science Foundation Network (NSFNet) serves as the Internet "backbone" (a very high speed network that connects key regions across the country). The NSFNet will likely evolve into the National Research and Education Network (NREN) as defined in the High Performance Computing Act of 1991. For the Internet to exist, there must be connections between computers and agreements on how they are to communicate. These connections, which can consist of any of a variety of communication media or methods, are usually established within areas or regions by the particular networking organization with authority or economic interest in that area. The Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol (TCP/IP) currently defines how Internet computers, from personal computers to mainframes, are to communicate. Electronic mail (e-mail) can be used by two Internet users to exchange messages with each other, distribute messages to a list of subscribers, support electronic discussions, or distribute electronic journals (e-journals). The Telnet facility for remote login enables computer users to establish connections with bibliographic databases, campus information systems of various universities, full-text databases, data files, and other online services. The File Transfer Protocol enables the user to transfer virtually any kind of file that can be stored on a computer from one Internet-connected computer to another. Tools such as Gopher, WAIS, and World Wide Web make information on the network easier to locate and use. Although the use of NSFNet has been limited to non-profit research and educational uses, dialogues have recently begun about commercialization and privatization of the its infrastructure. (10 references) (BBM)