What is a blog? A Web log, or "blog," is a Web-based journal that may include news, commentary, photos, and multimedia. Most blogs include clips from and links to outside content and other blogs, and encourage readers to post comments. This leads to a free-form, participatory atmosphere in the "blogosphere."

To learn more, see the article, The Basics of Blogging.

Are there different kinds of blogs?

• A blog may be operated by an individual, a community of like-minded individuals, an organization, or a company.
• A blog may be about a specific interest (such as vintage Ferraris), a general subject area (such as politics), or no particular subject.
• It may be a personal diary, or a communications channel between an organization and its customers or audience.
• A blog may be part of another Web site, or stand on its own.

How do I start a blog? A number of Web sites (such as Blogger, WordPress, TypePad, or LiveJournal) give you the tools you need to create your own blog. You can be online in just minutes, at no cost. These sites can host your blog, or you can use software tools to create a blog for another site. You can even earn revenue by placing ads or retail links on your site and getting paid for any sales or hits that result.

How do I find a blog host?

There are three basic choices for a blog host:

• Blog providers, such as Blogger, WordPress, and TypePad.
• Social networking sites, such as MySpace, FaceBook, and Windows Live Spaces.
• Many blogs include "diarists," which allow readers to create their own sub-blogs on the site.

What are the risks of blogging?

• You surrender all privacy rights, forever, to anything you post on a blog. It's accessible to everyone in the world.
• Don't assume that anyone's online identity is genuine. Be cautious in your relationships with online strangers, whether they're blogging or simply commenting on your blog.

Does Symantec have a blog?

Yes. The Norton Protection Blog gives our team a forum to share news and opinions on PC security for home and home-office users. A separate blog focuses on corporate security issues.