Must-Visit Online Sites

The Internet has been a cultural revolution and has made finding information, entertainment, and shopping fluid and visceral since its inception. Whether you fancy yourself an Internet junkie or simply an average user, there are web sites and online tools that everyone who uses the system should know about. Most of these sites instantly pop into peoples' heads and are synonymous with the Internet itself. There are, of course, many more web sites that all Internet users should at least explore and visit. These eight are some of the better known selections but still worth the time to get involved with. For those new to the Internet, or those who simply have not gotten the chance, visit these quintessential online web sites.

1. Amazon.com
An oldie but still going strong, Amazon remains one of the largest and most easy-to-use online shopping sites. New and used name-brand products in over twenty categories are available for purchase. People can even buy their groceries from Amazon now, and customer reviews offer advice on products and shipping methods. The site's search tool is very intuitive and once you order from the site once, you'll be hard pressed to find an easier shopping web site.

2. Dictionary.com
With a full online dictionary, thesaurus, and encyclopedia, this is one web site all students, writers, and college freshman should bookmark. A search bar is again used at this site, and certainly becomes quicker to navigate than large book volumes one can use. If you are writing a term paper or an important business letter, and need help with words in any way, Dictionary.com is the perfect tool.

3. Ebay.com
A more community based shopping site, Ebay has had it fair share of controversy. Anyone can set up an account and sell off their possessions and most things are bought via online bidding. Users should become familiar with spotting rip off deals and trashy products, but there are still plenty of fairly priced and bid-worthy products to discover on Ebay.

4. Eharmony.com
Let's face it. If you are a complete Internet addict, more likely than not you need a good dating service. All jokes aside, Eharmony has offered competitive online dating for years now. If you want to find love via the Internet, as millions have, this is the site to start at. Your profile will be very custom and full of information about you, so find spare time to promote your romantic qualities.

5. Google.com
What is there to say? There are many search engines on the web, with their own unique layouts and offerings, but none have reached the status of Google. Find news, entertainment, shopping, the works with this easy to use and navigate engine.

6. IMDB.com
Movie and television fanatics must know about the Internet Movie Database. The site offers previews, reviews, user polls, and catalogues of virtually every movie and show ever made with a slick interface and continually updated information. For entertainment lovers and curious readers, IMDB.com is well worth your time.

7. Myspace.com
A fad or not, Myspace is one of the largest online communities available. People can create their own pages for personal or work relations, add music and links, and customize a personal page. Again, there are risks of online predators and scammers rampant on the site, but creating security measures and tight friend's lists keeps people of all ages connected and having fun on Myspace.

8. Wikipedia.org
To find information fast, in a myriad of different languages, Wikipedia is a fantastic tool. It is run by the Wikimedia Foundation, but is also contributed to by people around the world via posts and edits. Certain articles are inaccurate because of post placed with little research. It is hard to argue against many entries for their accuracy because of the links and sites that support the information, but those needing a quick reminder or willing to learn from millions of articles and entries can have their fill at Wikipedia.org

9. YouTube.com
Want to see hilarious antics? A video tutorial? An informative lecture? YouTube is another community site where posts of videos are made on any and all subjects. Show clips and lectures reside next to hilarious music videos and concerts. In short, if you explore the site, users, groups, and companies place most anything imaginable for amusement and education on YouTube.