Network TV shows, video how-to segments and daily newscasts are now available on the Internet, many of them for free.

In December, US Internet users watched a record 10 billion videos online, according to the research firm comScore. It does not take a great deal of computer skill to watch a video online — anyone who surfs the Internet can do it. You will need a broadband (not “dial-up”) Internet connection, and if your computer is more than a few years old, you might have to download some free software. (Most sites offering video can steer you through the download process.)

Among the best video Web sites today…

  • Television sites. All of the major broadcast networks now make many of their shows available for free on the Internet, including a limited number of back episodes. Head to ABC.com, CBS.com, NBC.com or Fox.com, then click the button labeled “Watch Full Episodes” or “Watch Video.” Expect to sit through a short advertisement before the program begins.

    Most cable channels feature some video on their Web sites, but few offer a wide range of complete episodes. Discovery Channel has a handful of its shows online (www.discoverychannel.com).

    Other cable sites providing free video include Comedy Central (www.comedycentral.com), MTV (www.mtv.com) and VH1 (www.vh1.com).

  • How-to video sites. A huge number of informational and educational videos are available for free on the Internet. Videojug.com is a great place to start. The site has thousands of well-made how-to videos, most two or three minutes long. Subjects range from how to tie a bowtie to how to improve a golf swing. The site is well organized, making it easy to find what you want.

    • Food site Epicurious (www.epicurious.com) is a great site for how-to videos about food preparation.

  • News sites. Watch news channel feeds or video feeds of the day’s top news stories for free from CNN (www.cnn.com/video) or Bloomberg Television (http://Bloomberg.com/news/av).

  • Sports. Fans of obscure sports often can find news and highlights on official league Web sites or through my site, www.blinkx.com.

    • Examples: Open-wheel racing fans can find highlights, press conferences and other free clips on Indycar.com. Bike-racing fans can find a wide range of videos on Cycling.tv, some for free.

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