The beauty of the Internet is the ease with which networks can be generated by linking related sites. The Microbiology Network is at the centre of one such web, and aims to serve as a “communication resource for the microbiologist”.

The site started life in 1995 as The Microbiology BBS, a telephone-based service that became The Microbiology Network in 1998. It provides a starting point for various sites of interest to microbiologists, including a 'resource centre' with information on several areas — from contract testing to microbiology software or laboratory equipment and supplies. The site also includes a list of user groups, a page for discussion groups, and 'file libraries', which aim to act as a “repository for computer files of interest to biologists and health care workers in industry, academics, and private practice”.

Another web site doing a similar job is Microbiology Direct. Launched in July 2000, this site has a slick design and easily navigable layout. Like The Microbiology Network, its strength lies in the plethora of links to related sites, handily divided into categories (genomics, journals and methods, for instance).

The comprehensive gallery of images includes video clips and links to other photo galleries, and the 'research topics' section contains links to several areas, from phylogenetics and nomenclature to public health microbiology. Many of the 'teaching resources' links are both educational and entertaining, and the news links are regularly added to and updated (an advantage of this site compared with The Microbiology Network). Together, these sites provide a great launch pad for microbiology online.