IT'S BEEN called the "shopping revolution" and at this time of the year internet shopping seems to be the answer for many people trying to get through their Christmas shopping. It is estimated there are 15.4 million people on the Internet in the UK. Cyber novices need to be familiar with the terms used.

Internet - a worldwide network of millions of computers which acts like a

huge electronic high street.

Bookmark - bookmarking a page stores the information which enables you to revisit a favourite site instantly.

Browser - your window on to the net.

CD Rom - a compact disc used for storing data.

Domain - a unique name that identifies a website.

Downloads - any information you find on a website that you wish to keep.

ISDN - fast digital versions of the standard phone line, now being superseded by ADSL (Asynchronous Digital Subscriber Line)

ISP - (internet service provider) company that provides access to the internet.

Search engine - a tool that helps you find web pages using keyword searches.

Secure server - a safe memory bank that holds personal information such as a credit card number.

Goods sold over the Internet are available 24 hours a day and can be cheaper than those in shops.

Providing you take precautions, shopping on the Net is as safe as shopping in the high street.

It is wise to compare prices, check that the company has a phone number and always get a physical address.

Print off a hard copy of your order form and check on refund and return policies.

Check delivery is guaranteed within a certain period and note postage costs.

If ordering goods from abroad check on local sales taxes and excise duty.

Nearly all sites use a secure server system called SSL (identified by a closed padlock or broken key symbol). This ensures that the transaction details are "scrambled" in a way that makes it virtually impossible to intercept them.

In addition, payment by credit card has added security benefits. Under Section 75 of the Consumer Credit Act, a card issuer is held liable, as is the retailer, if goods costing between £100 and £30,000 are not delivered or turn out to be faulty. In addition, recent legislative changes mean that consumers who buy online now have new rights including a right to certain information and a cooling- off period.

So if you are reaching for your online shopping basket, remember these tips for trouble-free shopping.

For further advice on Internet shopping or a copy of a new leaflet on home shopping, contact City of York Consumer Advice Service on 01904 551562 or call at 9 St. Leonard's Place. The email address is trading.standards@york.gov.uk and the fax number is 01904 551511.