To many, having an internet connection is crucial as opposed to the luxury it was just a few short years ago. A recent Pew/Knight survey regarding internet usage has revealed just how much we rely on the worldwide web to give us the information we’re looking for.The report states that of the United States population that is now online, 79% rely on the internet to get information about local subjects. Among those local subjects are education, social venues, local businesses, employment and real estate.The report also included some interesting data regarding how people perceive newspapers. Many felt that they would have no trouble keeping up with the goings on of the world should their newspaper stop publishing editions. Yet, when asked about which source was used to seek out information about local politics, taxes, crime, arts or community news, newspapers were right near the top of the list, especially in the case of older Americans.Newspapers, television and social networks all seem to be competing to be the number one source that users go to first for information about the topics that interest them. The results revealed that television is still on top for all things news, but only for certain subjects, such as the weather or breaking news. It’s tied with radio for traffic news, and is right beside newspapers for the subject of local politics.If anything is clear about this report, it’s that we’re using more sources than ever to get our news, whether it be about the world or what’s going on in our backyards. Well-known news sources like CNN and Reuters have now gone online, and offer a wide range of topics for anyone who visits the site to get the latest news.Blogs can offer a great way to get the latest headlines with the personal slant and opinions of an individual writer. This flavor of journalism can offer a lighthearted look when other news outlets have become tiresome or depressing.Those looking to get another perspective about what’s going on in the world may choose a more offbeat route like urban legend or conspiracy theory sites. Sites which publish ‘leaked’ information about public figures have also become quite popular in recent years. Urban legend sites can also be useful in the event a ‘chain email’ is sent whose story doesn’t seem believable.Even if you aren’t a reader, you can get reports and breaking news via video clips. These can be accessed from major news source web sites, or on video sharing sites like YouTube. In fact, video has become so important in our political process that many analysts believe that President Obama’s primary campaign strategies during the election process were focused on the YouTube generation. Television channel web sites offer news programs in every language that can be accessed with just a few clicks.The internet package you choose will depend on how you like to get your news. Most of the time, a “Lite” or “Economy” internet package is all that’s needed to view video clips and read blogs. But those who do the above along with surf on a regular basis may choose mid-range packages. And those who enjoy music, games and movies online will most likely go for a “Super” or “Ultra” type of internet package.